1652
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Fighting Cavaliers is a 1652 ink by Stefano Della Bella, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sheet shows nine quick sketches of men on horseback in action. They’re all armed, some with swords, others with spears, and their horses rear or gallop. The drawings are loose and energetic, like rough notes for a bigger scene. Some riders are paired, others fight alone, and a few are tangled on the ground. The paper has a textured look, typical of old drawings. These sketches were made fast—you can see where the artist pressed harder in some spots. The lines are sharp but not polished, giving a sense of movement over detail. Want to see more by this artist? Check out Della Bella, Stefano.
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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