Plate 12: a seated draughtsman to left, a standing shepherd next to him to right, ruins and animals to the right, a tower in ruins to left in the background, from 'Various landscapes' (Divers paysages) 1636 - 1646

This is Stefano della Bella's "Plate 12: a seated draughtsman to left, a standing shepherd next to him to right, ruins and animals to the right, a tower in ruins to left in the background, from 'Various landscapes'," an etching made in the mid-seventeenth century. The image presents a classical landscape mediated through the artist's contemporary moment. Consider the social role of art in 17th-century Europe. Landscape prints became increasingly popular, serving as both decoration and status symbols for a growing middle class. The depiction of ruins speaks to a fascination with the past. The presence of the artist and shepherd reminds us of the contrasting forces shaping the era. The artist represents intellect and creativity, while the shepherd embodies a simpler, pastoral existence. Della Bella was working in a time of conflict between traditional social structures and emerging modern ideas. To understand this print fully, we might consult period literature or social histories. By examining the cultural context in which Della Bella created, we gain insights into the dialogue between tradition and change.