Plate 10: a peasant woman turned towards the right with a child on her back, a boy lying on the ground behind her in center, two women and a child to left in middleground, a church to right in background, from 'Caprice faict par de la Bella' 1640 - 1645

Stefano della Bella created this print, titled Plate 10, as part of his series 'Caprice faict par de la Bella.' Della Bella lived through the Thirty Years' War, and his life experiences shaped his artistic output. In the print, a peasant woman, burdened by a child on her back, walks with the aid of a staff. Behind her, a young boy lies exhausted on the ground. The setting includes other women with children and a distant church, elements that together paint a picture of rural life, yet the image is tinged with hardship. Della Bella's series captures scenes of everyday life infused with the realities of the period, reflecting the trials and tribulations of ordinary people. Through this piece, he offers a glimpse into the lives of those often overlooked, inviting us to consider their struggles and resilience. The image becomes a poignant reflection on the universal themes of motherhood, survival, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.