Ornament With a Girl and Tiger Cub c. 17th century

"Ornament With a Girl and Tiger Cub," a 17th-century etching by Stefano della Bella, features a young girl seated atop a tiger cub, framed by ornate, scrolling foliage. This composition exemplifies Della Bella's mastery of the Baroque style, known for its dramatic flourishes and emphasis on movement. The intricate detail of the girl's clothing and the tiger's fur, combined with the dynamic swirl of the foliage, creates a sense of both delicacy and energy. This piece, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is a testament to Della Bella's talent in capturing the beauty and complexity of nature through the medium of printmaking.