Artwork
The Four Elements: Terra
The Four Elements: Terra is a print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Four Elements: Terra, a print by Florentine artist Stefano della Bella, dates to circa 1648. It is one of a series exploring the elemental themes of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth.
Subject & Meaning
Depicting Earth, the print features a rocky mountain landscape with a man digging with a shovel, surrounded by other figures holding various tools, symbolizing human interaction with the terrestrial element.
Technique & Style
Characteristic of della Bella's etching style, the work incorporates lively details, distinguishing it from earlier prints he copied, which served as inspirations.
History & Provenance
Part of della Bella's extensive oeuvre of over 1,000 prints, The Four Elements: Terra is currently housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
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.
![The Flight into Egypt [verso], by Stefano Della Bella](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/stefano-della-bella--the-flight-into-egypt-verso--3a100db72e6d25e3-w320.webp)
