1648
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Ornamental Frieze with Marine Creatures is a 1648 ink by Stefano Della Bella, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This image shows a row of strange sea creatures tangled in swirling lines. The top has five small, scaly monsters with fins and sharp teeth. Below them, three bigger beasts twist together in a messy knot. The whole thing looks like it’s carved from dark ink on light paper. The artist used a sharp tool to scratch into the metal plate before printing. That’s how the lines got their rough, textured look. Look up etching to see how this print was made.
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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