Poppaea Sabina 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella's etching *Poppaea Sabina* (1620-1664) depicts the Roman empress in a flowing gown, her hand resting on a dagger. The inscription below details her life as the wife of Roman Emperor Nero, and her previous marriage to the king of the Lombards, Otthon. Bella's detailed rendering and elegant composition, combined with the text, offer a glimpse into the tumultuous lives of historical figures during this period. This etching is a beautiful example of della Bella's skilled craftsmanship and the popularity of historical portraiture during the Baroque period.