March of an army on a plain, the commander in chief in front, his aides behind him, a trumpeter on horseback at right, a plain with various figures and horses in the background, from 'Varie figure' 1640 - 1650

Stefano della Bella created this print, ‘March of an army on a plain,’ in the mid-17th century, a period marked by significant political and military conflict across Europe. Della Bella, working in Florence, often depicted military scenes, reflecting the era's preoccupation with power, order, and the spectacle of war. This print isn't just a depiction of marching soldiers; it's a study in social hierarchy and identity. Consider the commander, elevated both literally and figuratively on horseback, compared to the masses of anonymous figures in the background. What does it mean to lead, and who gets remembered in the march of history? Gender, too, plays a role, as the military was an almost exclusively male domain. The emotional weight of this piece lies in its quiet observation of power and the individual's place within larger forces, making us reflect on how societal structures shape personal experiences.