Standing sailor in center talking to a seated Levantine man to left, seen in profile, other sailors with a boat to left in the background 1658 - 1663

This etching, "Standing sailor in center talking to a seated Levantine man to left, seen in profile, other sailors with a boat to left in the background," was created by Stefano della Bella between 1658 and 1663. The piece depicts a group of sailors on a dock, with one sailor standing and talking to a seated man, likely a merchant, while the other sailors are engaged with a boat. The composition showcases della Bella's skill in capturing the details of everyday life through his masterful use of line and shading. The etching’s composition creates a sense of depth and realism, which is further enhanced by the subtle shading and the inclusion of a distant cityscape. It's a fine example of della Bella's characteristic style, which combined a keen sense of observation with a playful and often humorous approach to the human condition. The work is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.