Plate 6: Lion, from "Various animals" (Diversi animali) 1636 - 1646

Stefano della Bella made this print of a lion as part of his "Various Animals" series. The image creates meaning through visual codes linked to the cultural and historical associations of the animal kingdom. Made in Italy during the 17th century, this print exists in a context where exploration and scientific discovery were reshaping European understanding of the world. The lion, traditionally a symbol of power and royalty, is here presented in a seemingly natural setting. The image may reflect the influence of the Medici menagerie in Florence, one of the most important collections of exotic animals in Europe. Della Bella's representation of the lion, however, moves away from pure symbolism, showing the animal as a creature within an environmental system. Understanding this print involves considering the history of scientific illustration and the development of natural history as a field of study, which can be explored through archival research and studies of early scientific texts. Ultimately, the meaning of this art is dependent on its cultural and institutional context.