Soldier on Galloping Horse n.d.

This etching by Italian artist Stefano della Bella, active in the 17th century, depicts a soldier on horseback. The horse is in mid-gallop, its legs extended and its mane flowing in the wind. The soldier, clad in armor, holds a spear, his face obscured by his helmet. The drawing, which is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, showcases della Bella's mastery of line and detail, and his skill in capturing the dynamism of movement. The work reflects the artist's interest in military subjects, a popular theme in 17th-century Italian art.