1646
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Fantastic Vases is a 1646 ink by Stefano Della Bella, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows six strange, oversized vases filled with plants and tiny figures. Some vases have handles shaped like animals or people, while others hold small scenes with children playing or cherubs lounging. The whole thing looks like a dream—vases are too big, the plants are wild, and the figures are tiny and busy. The artist used a technique that lets them draw fine lines and shading without paint. This kind of printmaking was new and tricky back then. Next, look up etching to see how artists carved into metal to make these 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.
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