Child Carrying a Puppy on his Shoulder 1657 - 1667

Stefano della Bella created this ink on paper work, "Child Carrying a Puppy on his Shoulder," sometime in the 17th century. Della Bella, who lived between 1610 and 1664, navigated a Europe steeped in rigid class structures, where childhood was often romanticized yet fraught with inequalities. This drawing is interesting because it reflects an intimacy between children and animals which was not commonly represented at the time. Consider how class might influence this tender portrayal: is the child's freedom to play indicative of privilege, a gentle reprieve from the social expectations of the era? The puppy slung over the child's shoulder and the other at his feet creates an atmosphere of comfort and companionship which might mirror the emotional landscapes of children living in that era. While seemingly simple, Della Bella's sketch invites us to reflect on the intertwined narratives of childhood, class, and affection, subtly challenging the formal conventions of his time.