Vrouw uit Italië 1620 - 1664

This etching, "Vrouw uit Italië," was made by Stefano della Bella around the mid-17th century. Note the figure of a woman, richly dressed, with a plumed helmet and flowing robes. The composition is strongly vertical, with the figure centered and presented as a personification of Italy, a symbolic representation through form and allegorical elements. Bella's use of line—precise and controlled—creates intricate patterns in the drapery and texture, while the overall structure of the etching reinforces a hierarchical representation. This is more than a portrait; it's a statement about Italy's identity and status, constructed through visual codes accessible to its contemporary audience. The text below further cements the symbolism, embedding it in a broader cultural and political discourse. The etching functions as a semiotic device, where the artist encodes meaning through recognizable visual elements and cultural associations.