Plate 22: Cart Horse, from "Various animals" (Diversi animali) 1636 - 1646

"Plate 22: Cart Horse," a 17th-century etching by Stefano della Bella, is a striking example of the artist's detailed and expressive style. The print, part of a larger series, features a powerful cart horse standing in a landscape, its muscular form rendered with precise hatching and cross-hatching. The horse's stance, head turned, suggests both strength and weariness, highlighting the animal's role in hard labor. Della Bella's masterful use of line creates a sense of depth and volume, contributing to the realism of the composition. This artwork, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to the artistic skill and keen observation of Stefano della Bella, a master of etching and animal studies.