Artwork
The Emperor Ferdinand II
The Emperor Ferdinand II 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
The Emperor Ferdinand II is a 1637 print by Stefano della Bella, created using etching and engraving on laid paper. This black-and-white portrait depicts a serious-looking man adorned with a ruffled collar and a chain, set amidst intricate, swirling decorative elements resembling leaves and scrolls.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the portrait is identified by the Latin inscription 'Ferdinandus II' as Emperor Ferdinand II. The formal attire and regalia, including the chain around his neck, signify his imperial status. The overall composition conveys dignity and authority.
Technique & Style
Della Bella combined etching and engraving to achieve a detailed and precise image, characteristic of 17th-century printmaking. The interplay of etched and engraved lines creates a rich texture, while the decorative frame adds a touch of Baroque flair.
History & Provenance
Created in 1637, the print is part of Stefano della Bella's extensive oeuvre of over 1,000 prints. Della Bella (1610-1664) was a prolific Florentine artist, predominantly known for his prints and drawings, with only one known painting attributed to him.
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.
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