Artwork
Quarta Scena di Mare
Quarta Scena di Mare is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Quarta Scena di Mare is an etching on laid paper created by Stefano della Bella in 1637. This work is a restrike, demonstrating the artist's technical proficiency in printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a lively seaside scene with numerous small figures engaged in various activities, on a ship, swimming, or on the shore. The setting is framed by tall trees, rocky cliffs, and a partially cloudy sky with choppy waters and crashing waves. As the 'Fourth Sea Scene,' it implies part of a thematic series.
Technique & Style
Della Bella employed fine etching lines to achieve detailed textures, notably in the rendering of waves and foliage, showcasing his skill in capturing intricate elements through this medium.
History & Provenance
Originally created in 1637 by Stefano della Bella, this piece is a restrike, indicating it was printed from the original plate at a later time. The artist, active from Florence, was prolific with over 1,000 prints in his oeuvre.
Context
Part of della Bella's diverse output that included landscapes and genre scenes, Quarta Scena di Mare reflects the artist's interest in capturing everyday and natural scenes with etching, a popular medium for such subjects during the 17th century.
Legacy
While specific impact of Quarta Scena di Mare on later artists is not detailed, della Bella's overall body of work, including such detailed etchings, contributed to the development and popularity of printmaking in 17th-century Europe.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
![The Flight into Egypt [verso], by Stefano Della Bella](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/stefano-della-bella--the-flight-into-egypt-verso--3a100db72e6d25e3-w320.webp)
