Tot slaaf gemaakte jongen met kameel 1649

"Tot slaaf gemaakte jongen met kameel" is a 1649 etching by the Italian artist Stefano della Bella (1610-1664). It is currently housed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The etching depicts a young boy holding the reins of a camel, which is looking away from the viewer. The composition is simple and dramatic, with the boy and camel filling the majority of the oval frame. The boy's facial expression is melancholic, which contrasts with the calmness of the camel. Della Bella was a skilled draughtsman and etcher who captured the nuances of human and animal expression with great detail. This work provides a glimpse into the artist’s ability to capture the essence of an individual and their relationship with their animal companion.