Title page: a man carrying a case on his back in center, three men looking towards him on left, Medici coat of arms on ground to left, various boats and figures to right in the background, from 'Set of eight nautical landscapes' (Suite de huit Marines) 1639

Stefano della Bella created this title page from ‘Set of eight nautical landscapes’ with etching techniques in the 17th century. A man carrying a heavy load dominates the scene, his figure centrally placed against a backdrop of a bustling harbor. The composition is structured by the contrast between the static figures on the left and the dynamic activity on the right, creating a visual tension. The lines are precise, yet the shading gives a sense of depth and texture, especially in the rendering of fabrics and water. Della Bella cleverly uses scale to emphasize the weight borne by the central figure, whose burden is inscribed with dedication text. The etching functions not just as a title page but as a comment on labor, power, and representation within the context of maritime life and Medici patronage. Its visual elements invite us to consider the economic and social structures that shape our perceptions.