Clovis and Clotilda
1637
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1637
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This print shows a dramatic scene of a man and woman on horseback in a stormy landscape. Above them, two cherubs hold a decorative frame, while below, a woman’s face peeks from ornate scrollwork. The horses rear up, and the figures look tense, as if caught in a moment of high emotion. The top frame is empty, which was likely meant to hold a coat of arms or crest. This was common in Baroque prints to personalize the work for a patron. Next, look up etching to see how artists like Della Bella carved fine lines into metal plates to create detailed prints.