A woman wearing an ornate turban with a veil, seen from behind and turned three-quarters to the right, an oval composition, from 'Several heads in the Persian style' (Plusieurs têtes coiffées à la persienne) 1650

Stefano della Bella created this print, 'A woman wearing an ornate turban with a veil', sometime in the mid-17th century. The composition is dominated by an oval form, framing the head and shoulders of a woman in Persian-style attire. The detailed etching presents a study in contrasts between light and shadow. The artist's marks capture the texture of the fabric and the softness of the woman's features. Notice how the lines vary in thickness and density, creating a sense of depth and volume. The turban itself, adorned with a feather, becomes a focal point, drawing the eye to the intricate details. This print is part of a series called 'Several heads in the Persian style'. We can look to the semiotic system of signs to see how fashion functions as a cultural code, reflecting broader artistic and philosophical concerns around representation and identity in early modern Europe. The woman is turned three-quarters to the right, inviting us to examine the gaze that is both engaging and slightly distant. This positioning allows della Bella to explore the interplay between visibility and concealment. The detailed ornamentation and rich patterns encourage an ongoing interpretation and understanding of the artwork.