A Procession 1610 - 1664

Stefano della Bella made this drawing, A Procession, using pen and brown ink on paper. The material itself is simple, humble even, but that’s typical for drawings. Its apparent ease belies the skill required to create it. The quick, confident strokes of ink suggest the artist likely made it on the spot, capturing a fleeting moment of daily life, rather than meticulously crafting it in a studio. It’s a window into 17th century society; the procession suggests a hierarchy, with figures on horseback contrasted by those on foot. The artist’s labor is evident in the details. Yet, the immediate effect is of spontaneity. Ultimately, by considering the artist's process, we can gain a better understanding of the work's social and cultural context, while bridging the gap between fine art and the everyday.