Fantastic Vases

About this work

This drawing shows six fancy vases lined up in a row. Each one is different—some tall and narrow, others wide and curved—with flowers sticking out of the tops. Tiny cherubs and swirling decorations make the vases look extra ornate. The whole scene is drawn in black ink on paper, with no color. The artist signed it "Stef. de la Bella fuit, fecit," which means it’s by Stefano della Bella. These vases aren’t real; they’re imagined designs, probably meant to inspire real makers. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this carved their designs into metal.