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Siege of Piombino

Stefano della Bella

  • Siege of Piombino 2
Basic information
ID
Г-IV-985
Author
Stefano della Bella
Name
Siege of Piombino
Technique
etching
Material
paper
Dimensions (height x width, cm)
33 x 44.5
Additionally
Type
graphic art
Provenance
Lviv Historical Museum
Information about author
Author
Stefano della Bella
Artist's lifetime
1610–1644
Country
Italy
Biography
Stefano della Bella was one of the most prolific Italian engravers and draftsmen of the 17th century. The artist created thousands of unique graphic works that accurately depicted the events of his time, such as theatrical performances of the Florentine nobility, Thirty Years' War conflicts, and ordinary life on the streets of Rome and Paris. The engraver was born in Florence in 1610. Due to the premature death of his father, the young man was compelled to study as a jeweller. Still, he quickly grew interested in drawing, imitating the technique of the prominent French graphic artist Jacques Callot. At this time, he gained the patronage of the Medici family, who continued to favour the artist throughout his life. Supported by the Medici, della Bella went to Rome in 1633, where he received important commissions almost immediately. Numerous sketches of park ensembles, villas, palaces and ancient ruins were also created there, which he later used for his engravings. At the request of the Medici family, he was obliged to return to Florence in 1637. In Rome, della Bella met the French graphic artists Henriet Israel and Francois L'Anglois, thanks to whom he moved to Paris in 1639. The engraver could quickly establish cooperation with the three most important Parisian publishers: Pierre Mariette, Henriet Israel, and Francois L'Anglois. In Paris, the artist became well-known by creating various etchings, which collectors much sought after. He returned to Florence in 1650, where he resided until he died in 1664. During this period, Stefano della Bella diversified his favourite subjects, producing an excellent series of hunting scenes, impressive landscapes with Roman ruins, and detailed depictions of equestrians.
Object description
The work is an etching from the "Topographies" series. The engraving shows a map of the siege of the naval fortress of Piombino. The horizontal line of the hill is shown at the top. Sailing ships are depicted on the sea. The battles occur on the waterfront, fortified by defensive walls. At the rear of the fortress are numerous military units in ranks and individual groups, camps and tents. The cavalry unit is in the foreground. The Florentine architect Andrea Guardi built the fortress of Piombino on the principle of a "city within a city". It included a palace, a church, other buildings, and water sources.
Inscriptions
In the upper left corner: "Expagnazione della Ferteficaze Piazza Piombino fatta dall [Armidi I M. Cattca il d 8 Suglio Jotto il Comando (dell) Cavalleria Firenze 15 Ag 1650. S D. Bella f."
Legal regulation
Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery

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