Artwork

Groom with a Camel

Groom with a Camel, by Stefano Della Bella, ink, 1649
Groom with a Camel, by Stefano Della Bella, ink, 1649

Groom with a Camel is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1649 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:center left in plate: SDBella / 1649; by later hand, lower center in graphite within plate mark: 51; by later hand, lower right in graphite: 172; by later hand, lower right verso in graphite: 10

About this work

Overview

Groom with a Camel is a 1649 etching on laid paper by Stefano della Bella, a prolific Florentine artist known for his diverse range of subjects in over 1,000 etchings and numerous drawings.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a serene, close-up scene of a groom, dressed in a white shirt with a rope around his neck, alongside a camel. The groom’s serious expression and the camel’s turned head suggest a moment of quiet interaction or contemplation.

Technique & Style

Della Bella’s etching technique imparts a sense of texture and depth to the black and white image. The partial visibility of the camel’s body and the groom’s cropped figure enhance the intimate, focused composition.

History & Provenance

Created in 1649, the work is characteristic of della Bella’s Florentine career, which spanned from his birth in 1610 until his death in 1664. Specific provenance details for this piece are not provided.

Context

Groom with a Camel reflects della Bella’s versatility in capturing various themes, from everyday life to more exotic subjects like camels, which were not common in 17th-century Florence.

Legacy

As part of della Bella’s extensive oeuvre, Groom with a Camel contributes to the artist’s reputation for skillful, nuanced etchings that explore a wide range of subjects, influencing the broader tradition of etching in European art.

Black Groom with an Arabian Horse
Black Groom with an Arabian Horse, Stefano Della Bella

Artist & collection

Portrait of Stefano Della Bella

Artist

Stefano Della Bella

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.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Groom with a Camel?

Groom with a Camel was painted by Stefano Della Bella in 1649.

Where can I see Groom with a Camel?

Groom with a Camel is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Groom with a Camel?

Groom with a Camel is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Groom with a Camel?

Museum-quality prints of Groom with a Camel are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.