Who painted Soldier Playing a Drum?

Soldier Playing a Drum was painted by Stefano Della Bella in 1641.

Where can I see Soldier Playing a Drum?

Soldier Playing a Drum is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Soldier Playing a Drum?

Soldier Playing a Drum is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Soldier Playing a Drum?

Museum-quality prints of Soldier Playing a Drum are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Soldier Playing a Drum

Stefano Della Bella , 1641

Soldier Playing a Drum is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1641 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:across bottom in plate: S.D. la Bella fecit F.L.D. Ciatres excudit Cum Privil. Regis 4; later hand lower center verso in graphite: 56

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1641, this etching by Stefano della Bella portrays a solitary soldier engaged in drumming. The figure stands in a pastoral setting, his armor and helmet rendered in profile, while a drum hangs across his shoulder. Della Bella, a prolific Florentine printmaker, employed the medium to explore a broad spectrum of subjects, from martial to everyday scenes.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a moment of disciplined focus, the soldier’s stern expression suggesting concentration on his musical duty amid a tranquil landscape. The juxtaposition of military attire with a musical instrument hints at the dual roles of soldiers as both combatants and participants in ceremonial or morale‑boosting activities during the period.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine etched lines, the work demonstrates della Bella’s meticulous handling of texture and tonal contrast. Delicate hatching creates depth in the armor and foliage, while chiaroscuro effects model the figure against the distant hills, embodying the Baroque interest in dramatic lighting and realistic detail.

History & Provenance

Stefano della Bella produced over a thousand prints in his career, yet only a single painting is known to survive, underscoring his reliance on printmaking. This particular plate, part of his extensive output, reflects his reputation for versatility and the demand for affordable, reproducible images in 17th‑century Italy.

Soldier in Armor and a Cannon, Stefano Della Bella

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Artist & collection

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.