Plate 3: two infants standing in the water at center with their legs as scrollwork, below three small sketches of heads, from 'Friezes, foliage, and grotesques' (Frises, feuillages et grotesques) 1638 - 1643

This etching by Stefano della Bella, part of his series "Friezes, Foliage, and Grotesques", features two infants standing in water with their legs transformed into swirling scrollwork. The design is full of intricate detail, highlighting the Baroque era's penchant for decorative motifs. The playful composition is reminiscent of classical grotesques, while the inclusion of delicate foliage adds a touch of naturalism. The drawing's purpose was likely to provide inspiration for artists and artisans, showcasing della Bella's masterful command of line and form. The piece, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a glimpse into 17th-century Italian decorative design and the influence of classical art on contemporary artists.