Death on horseback holding a trumpet, from 'The five deaths' (Les cinq Morts) 1643 - 1653

This print, Death on Horseback Holding a Trumpet, was made in the 17th century by Stefano della Bella, using the etching process. Della Bella would have coated a copper plate with wax, then drawn this composition through the wax with a fine needle. The plate was then bathed in acid, which bit into the exposed lines. The image illustrates the devastating effects of warfare on populations, reflecting the context of the Thirty Years' War. Della Bella's skilled handling of the etching needle allowed him to create a horrific scene with great textural variety. The skeletal horse and rider contrast with the flowing banner and terrified figures below. The print would have been made in multiples to be sold, so this was about both artistic expression and commerce. The stark imagery and the relative ease of reproduction made prints like these powerful tools for disseminating political messages. It reminds us that art is not just about aesthetics; it's deeply intertwined with social issues and labor.