Plate 24: herdsman atop a horse, seen from behind, leads his cattle down a hill, a tower on a hill to left in the background, from 'Diversi capricci' 1644 - 1647

Stefano della Bella created this print, 'Herdsman atop a horse', using etching, a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid. The intricate lines define the scene: a herdsman on horseback, guiding cattle down a hill. Etching allowed Della Bella to create fine, detailed lines, capturing the textures of the landscape, the animals' fur, and the folds in the herdsman's clothing. The process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then scratches away the coating with a needle, exposing the metal. When the plate is dipped in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. Printmaking made images more accessible and reproducible, impacting the dissemination of art and ideas. The image depicts labor and a rural setting, reflecting the social context of the time. It captures a scene of everyday life, highlighting the connection between humans, animals, and the land.