Buste van een vrouw, op de rug gezien 1620 - 1647

Stefano della Bella made this etching of a woman's bust, seen from behind, likely in Italy during the 17th century. Prints like this one circulated widely, and were often collected in albums, reflecting a growing public interest in art. Though della Bella was commissioned by powerful patrons like the Medici family, his prints made his work accessible to a broader audience. The image itself offers a glimpse into the fashion of the time, with its focus on the elaborate hairstyle. But it also raises questions about the role of women in art and society. By showing the woman from behind, della Bella avoids the need to portray her identity or social standing directly. What does it mean to look at the female figure without necessarily seeing her face or knowing her social role? To understand this work more deeply, we might look at fashion plates, social histories of 17th-century Italy, or records of della Bella's patrons. This gives the artwork richer meaning within its original social and institutional context.