Plate 6: a cartouche supported by a duck below and decorated with two nymphs whose arms become tree branches, from 'Nouvelles inventions de Cartouches' 1647

Stefano della Bella created this print, "Plate 6" as part of a series called 'Nouvelles inventions de Cartouches'. Notice how the composition centers around a symmetrical cartouche, framed by two nymphs whose arms transform into tree branches. The image presents a fascinating interplay between organic and artificial forms. The nymphs, rendered with delicate lines, embody classical grace, yet their merging with the foliage introduces a surreal quality. Della Bella destabilizes the conventional boundaries between human and nature. The duck at the bottom creates a structural foundation and adds an element of whimsy. The print exemplifies Baroque sensibilities through its emphasis on ornate detail and dynamic composition. The careful etching technique enhances the contrast between light and shadow. Ultimately, the print invites us to consider the relationship between art, nature, and the decorative impulse.