1646
ink
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 drawing shows five tall, fancy vases filled with wild-looking plants. The vases have swirling shapes and ornate handles, like they’re made of twisted metal or carved stone. Some plants spill over the rims, while others grow straight up in lush, tangled bunches. The artist used fine lines to create deep shadows and texture, making the vases look almost three-dimensional. The plants seem almost alive, with delicate leaves and flowers sketched in detail. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this made such sharp, precise lines.
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
![The Flight into Egypt [verso]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/3a100db72e6d25e3/thumb.webp)
