Plate 9: two horsemen at left galloping uphill towards the right, a horse and seated man to right, from 'Various landscapes' (Divers paysages) 1636 - 1646

This print, Plate 9 from ‘Various landscapes’ by Stefano della Bella, was made in the 17th century using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production. Della Bella created this landscape by coating a metal plate with a waxy ground, then scratching away lines with a needle. When the plate is bathed in acid, these exposed lines are etched into the metal. The plate is then inked, and the image transferred to paper under great pressure. The fineness of line della Bella achieved speaks to his skill, and also to the efficiency of the etching process. Compared to engraving, it allowed for a much more fluid, expressive line, and, perhaps more importantly, a greater number of impressions to be made quickly. This was crucial during a period of expanding print culture, where images circulated widely, shaping perceptions and tastes across society. The fact that della Bella produced this print as part of a series, hints at the way printmaking drove a shift towards accessible, reproducible art.