Hoofd van vrouw met open mond en een hoofd in profiel naar links 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella made this etching of a woman's head with an open mouth, along with another head in profile, sometime in the mid-17th century. Consider the act of capturing such raw emotion during this time, and what it might have said about the artist's perspective on social norms. Della Bella was an Italian draughtsman and printmaker known for his detailed and often theatrical depictions of courtly life, military scenes, and landscapes. But in this sketch, the focus shifts to the intimate portrayal of human emotion. In the 17th century, Italy was marked by the influence of the Catholic Church and aristocratic patronage. Della Bella, having worked for the Medici court in Florence, must have been familiar with the dynamics of power and representation. The open mouth of the woman suggests a moment of vulnerability, while the other head in profile seems more reserved, inviting questions about the relationship between these two figures. By looking at period literature, theater, and social histories, we might better understand the unspoken narratives. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context, and we can always enrich our understanding through further research.