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 image shows five tall, ornate vases filled with flowers and plants. Each vase has a different shape—some are wide and rounded, others narrow and twisted. The flowers spill over the rims, and the vases sit on small bases. The whole scene looks like a mix of fantasy and reality, with vines and leaves wrapping around the containers. The artist used a technique that creates fine lines and textures, making the details stand out sharply. This style was popular in the 1600s for showing intricate objects. Next, 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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