Shepherd on a Horse Driving a Herd of Various Animals

The composition centers on a lone rider on horseback, acting as a shepherd‑figure who commands a noisy, mixed herd. The scene reflects everyday agrarian activity, emphasizing the relationship between human guidance and animal movement within a pastoral setting.

Created with fine etched lines, the work demonstrates della Bella’s characteristic use of delicate hatching to model form and suggest texture. The restrained line work conveys a sense of immediacy, bordering on the sketch‑like, while still delivering clear delineation of the figures and background.

The print was produced in the late 1630s, a period when della Bella was prolific, issuing over a thousand prints and numerous drawings. This particular impression is a restrike, indicating that the plate was re‑used after the artist’s initial edition, a common practice to meet continued demand.

Della Bella worked in 17th‑century Italy, a time when printmaking served both documentary and decorative purposes. His subjects ranged widely, from courtly scenes to everyday life, and this rural image aligns with his interest in capturing dynamic, narrative moments in a compact format.