1648
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
Two Ornamental Bands with Chained Leopards and Eagles is a 1648 ink by Stefano Della Bella, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows two long, decorative bands packed with twisting animals and swirling lines. On the top band, leopards and eagles face each other, their bodies tangled in chains and ornate frames. The bottom band has more leopards, this time with shields and helmets, all caught in dramatic movement. Every shape is sharp and detailed, like intricate lacework. The artist used a technique that lets ink fill tiny scratches in the metal plate, creating bold, textured lines. This was a way to make many copies of the same design—like a fancy stamp. Look up etching to see how artists like this made prints before photography.
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.
See the richer artist page
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