Plate 7: a triton in the water, facing left, holding up an eel in his right hand and two other eels underwater in his left hand, from 'Second collection of various doodles and etching proofs' (Second recueil de divers griffonnements et preuves d'eauforte) 1643 - 1648

Stefano della Bella’s etching, “Plate 7: A Triton in the Water,” from his “Second Collection of Various Doodles and Etching Proofs,” depicts a triton, a mythical creature that is half-human and half-fish, emerging from the water. The triton is shown holding an eel in his right hand, with two other eels visible underwater in his left hand. The etching, created between 1643 and 1648, showcases della Bella's mastery of line and detail, giving the viewer a sense of movement and energy. The subject matter is both fantastical and grounded, appealing to those interested in mythology and the art of etching.