A Horseman, behind Him Another Horseman and a Man on Foot - Stefano Della Bella

A refined seventeenth-century etching by Stefano Della Bella, capturing a horseman in profile with secondary figures in the distance.

Stefano Della Bella was a prolific Florentine printmaker known for his technical precision and his ability to capture movement with economy of line. This etching displays his characteristic approach to equestrian subjects, a theme he returned to throughout his career. The composition focuses on a central rider, depicted in profile, whose posture and feathered hat suggest the military fashion of the seventeenth century. The horse is rendered with careful attention to its musculature and the texture of its mane, conveying a sense of controlled energy.

In the background, Della Bella includes a secondary rider and a small figure on foot. These elements provide a sense of scale and narrative, suggesting a scene of travel or military movement. The artist employs a variety of hatching techniques to define form and shadow, creating depth without the need for complex tonal washes. The presence of the 'Israel ex.' mark in the lower corner indicates that this print was published by Israel Henriet, a common collaborator for Della Bella during his time in Paris.

This work reflects the broader interest in the Baroque period for the study of horses, which were symbols of status and power. Della Bella avoids unnecessary ornamentation, preferring to focus on the silhouette and the interaction between the figures. The clean lines and the open composition allow the viewer to appreciate the draftsmanship. It is a fine example of the small-scale, highly detailed prints that made Della Bella popular among collectors of his era. The print remains a clear demonstration of his ability to convey character and action through simple, deliberate marks on a copper plate.