Fisherman Standing in a Boat c. 1630 - 1640

Stefano della Bella rendered "Fisherman Standing in a Boat" with pen and brown ink sometime in the 17th century. During this time, the traditional socio-economic structure was shifting as commerce and mercantile activities grew. Della Bella’s focused draftsmanship captures the fisherman with a posture of command, pointing outwards, perhaps towards the next catch or a distant horizon. He is not idealized; his bearing reflects the labor-intensive nature of his work and the realities of his class. With bare feet firmly planted in the boat, he is shown as part of the working class who were essential to the economy yet often overlooked in artistic depictions. His catch, hanging from his hand, illustrates a crucial source of sustenance and income. Della Bella invites us to consider the life and labor of this anonymous figure, and to reflect on the broader societal structures that shape individual experiences.