Vier hoofden 1620 - 1647

Stefano della Bella's "Vier hoofden" (Four Heads) is a striking etching from the 17th century, currently held in the Rijksmuseum. This small-scale work showcases the artist's mastery of line and detail, rendering the four heads with remarkable expressiveness despite their simplified form. The piece's focus on facial features suggests a study for a larger work, a common practice among Baroque artists. The use of hatching and cross-hatching lends depth and texture to the faces, highlighting the individual personalities and emotions of each subject. "Vier hoofden" exemplifies della Bella's contribution to the development of etching as an artistic medium.