A woman carrying a child in center, seen from behind, another woman to right, facing left, following a group of cows across a river, a round composition, from 'Six animal subjects' (Six sujets d'animaux) 1643 - 1648

Stefano della Bella created this print, 'A woman carrying a child in center...', using etching techniques. The composition is immediately striking for its circular format, a "tondo", framing a scene of pastoral life. Look at how the artist uses the circular shape not just as a boundary, but as a lens, focusing our view on the figures crossing the river. The figures and animals, rendered with fine, delicate lines, create a sense of movement and depth within this contained space. The etching technique allows for a rich tonal range, from the light sky to the darker, more textured foreground. The composition's structure invites us to consider the relationship between the figures and the landscape, and how the artist has carefully arranged them to create balance and harmony. The etching's circular boundary encourages a different way of seeing, inviting viewers to contemplate the artwork’s internal structure and its dialogue with the world outside its frame. The "tondo" acts not merely as a decorative choice, but as an integral part of the artwork’s meaning, shaping our perception and understanding of the scene.