A galley embarking at center, seen from behind, the stern of another galley to right under a fire, eight men in a rowboat to left, from 'Varie figure' 1640 - 1650

Stefano della Bella made this print, 'A galley embarking at center', sometime in the mid-17th century. It presents a scene of maritime activity. But it's not just a picture of ships; it reflects the social and economic power of maritime trade in that era. The galleys, adorned with intricate carvings, signal wealth and power, very likely Florence or another Italian city state. The presence of numerous figures engaged in various tasks highlights the labor involved in naval operations, and the importance of human capital in enabling trade and warfare at sea. The print would likely have been commissioned by the Florentine court, to communicate messages of power and prosperity. To truly understand this image, we need to delve into the economic history of 17th-century Italy, the networks of trade and diplomacy, the symbolic language of courtly art, and the patronage system that sustained artists. Only then can we fully appreciate the social and institutional forces at play in its creation.