1654
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Departure of a Ship is a 1654 ink by Stefano Della Bella, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This scene shows a busy harbor where a large ship is leaving, surrounded by smaller boats packed with people. On the dock, a crowd watches, some standing, others sitting on crates. In the background, other ships sail away while smoke rises near one. The artist used sharp lines to show every rope, wave, and figure. Notice how the artist captured the chaos of the moment—people are crammed into boats, and the ship’s sails are already catching wind. This is a busy, lively scene, not a calm one. If you like this style, look up etching to see how artists like this made detailed prints.
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 page
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