Two eagles, from 'Eagles' (Les aigles) 1646 - 1656

Stefano della Bella created this etching, "Two Eagles" sometime in the mid-17th century, a period marked by significant social hierarchy. The eagle, long a symbol of power and authority, appears here in a print intended for a collector's album, offering a glimpse into the culture of collecting and display that defined the era. These weren't scientific studies, but rather artistic interpretations, reflecting the worldview of the artist and his patrons. The print embodies a certain aristocratic sensibility. The very act of creating and collecting such images speaks to a culture of refinement and the pursuit of knowledge, albeit one often limited by social status and access. Consider how the artist uses line and composition to convey not just the physical attributes of the eagles, but also their symbolic weight. What does it mean to depict these birds in a manner that elevates them beyond mere creatures?