Frontispiece for Diversi Animali: Pack Horse 1636 - 1646

This etching, "Frontispiece for Diversi Animali: Pack Horse," created by Stefano della Bella between 1636 and 1646, depicts a pack horse laden with goods, trudging uphill. The image is part of a series of animal prints, offering a glimpse into the daily life of 17th-century Europe. Della Bella's use of detailed lines and hatching creates a sense of realism, emphasizing the animal's strength and the weight it carries. The simple yet evocative composition showcases the artist's mastery of the etching technique. This print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a window into the working class and the vital role animals played in transportation and trade.