Plate 4: bear, from 'Various animals' (Diversi animali) 1641

"Plate 4: bear" is an etching by Italian artist Stefano della Bella from his series *Diversi animali* (Various Animals). The detailed etching depicts a large bear in the foreground, with a smaller bear in the background, suggesting a mother and cub. This work is a prime example of the 17th-century fascination with natural history, with della Bella's skill as a draftsman capturing the animals' anatomy with impressive realism. The scene is set against a rocky landscape, adding depth and context to the composition. The etching, originally published in 1641, is a testament to della Bella's contributions to the field of animal illustration. This artwork is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.