Hoofd van een kind, naar rechtsonder kijkend 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella created this delicate etching of a child's head sometime in the mid-17th century. Etching involves coating a metal plate with wax, then drawing through the wax to expose the metal. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The longer it sits, the deeper the lines, and the more ink they'll hold when printed. Della Bella's skill is evident in the fineness of the lines, creating a sense of volume with economical means. The beauty of printmaking lies in its reproducibility. Prints like this circulated widely, democratizing images and knowledge. While della Bella was an accomplished artist, his work also participated in a burgeoning commercial system. Printmaking allowed artists to reach a broader audience, blurring the lines between art, craft, and commerce. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple images can carry a wealth of historical and social significance.