Artwork

Statue of Ferdinand I

Statue of Ferdinand I, by Stefano Della Bella, ink, 1654
Statue of Ferdinand I, by Stefano Della Bella, ink, 1654

Statue of Ferdinand I is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Statue of Ferdinand I is an etching on laid paper created by Stefano della Bella around 1654. It is one of over a thousand etchings produced by della Bella, a prolific Florentine draughtsman and printmaker.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a statue of a man, likely Ferdinand I, standing on a pedestal, surrounded by a lively scene of people and boats. The statue's subject wears a robe and holds a sword, set against a backdrop of buildings.

Technique & Style

Della Bella employed the etching technique to create this detailed scene, showcasing his skill in printmaking. The work is characteristic of the Baroque movement, known for its intricate and dynamic compositions.

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.