Artwork

An Old Turk with Turban Seated on a Rock

An Old Turk with Turban Seated on a Rock, by Stefano Della Bella, ink, 1637
An Old Turk with Turban Seated on a Rock, by Stefano Della Bella, ink, 1637

An Old Turk with Turban Seated on a Rock is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

An Old Turk with Turban Seated on a Rock is an etching on laid paper created by Stefano della Bella in 1637. It is a representative work by the Italian artist, known for his prolific output of over 1,000 prints.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts an elderly man in traditional attire, seated on a rocky outcropping with his legs crossed. The serene and contemplative atmosphere suggests a focus on the subject's introspective state.

Technique & Style

Della Bella's work is characterized by a detailed and expressive style, evident in the rendering of the subject's facial features and clothing. The etching technique allows for a high level of precision and texture.

History & Provenance

This etching is a restrike, indicating that it was printed from the original plate at a later date. Della Bella was born in Florence in 1610 and was primarily active as a printmaker, with only one known painting to his name.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Stefano Della Bella

Artist

Stefano Della Bella

Stefano della Bella (18 May 1610 – 12 July 1664) was an Italian draughtsman and printmaker known for etchings of a great variety of subjects, including military and court scenes, landscapes, and lively genre scenes.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.