1647
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Cartouche in the Form of a Flayed Tiger Supported by Centaurs is a 1647 ink by Stefano Della Bella, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows two centaurs—half-human, half-horse figures—holding up a flayed tiger skin between them. The skin stretches over a circular frame, and the centaurs’ muscles and fur are carved into the paper with sharp, swirling lines. Shadows and texture make the skin look rough and real, while the centaurs’ faces are blurred, almost like they’re in motion. The artist used a technique that lets them create deep shadows and fine details. This isn’t paint—it’s an etching, where acid bites into the metal plate to make the lines. Next, check out technique: etching.
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.
See the richer artist pageYour cart is empty
Explore artworks →
![The Flight into Egypt [verso]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/3a100db72e6d25e3/thumb.webp)
