Ornamental Design with a Sphinx Bearing a Vessel on Her Head. 1610 - 1664

This delicate drawing of an ornamental design with a sphinx, was made by Stefano della Bella in the 17th century, with pen and brown ink on paper. Della Bella's choice of materials – humble pen and ink – belies the complexity of his craft. Look closely, and you’ll notice his masterful control, using the thinness of the ink to create a sense of depth and detail. The paper itself, likely handmade, provides a textured surface that interacts with the ink, giving the drawing a tactile quality. As a design for an ornament, the drawing reflects the skilled labor involved in creating decorative objects during that era, a time when craft was deeply intertwined with commerce and social status. Della Bella elevates the status of craft, integrating it into the world of fine art. By focusing on the labor and skill embedded in the drawing, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural and social significance, moving beyond traditional art historical categories.