Reizigers in een landschap 1656

Stefano della Bella etched this image of Travellers in a Landscape in 1656. Della Bella worked in Italy and France, and this print gives us insight into the public role of art in both places. Here, the artist uses etching to mimic the effect of a drawing, and the circular frame creates a sense of intimacy. It shows us a classical landscape, a popular subject at the time, but rather than focusing on mythology or grand historical events, della Bella turns his attention to anonymous figures resting by the side of the road. The work suggests a more modern sensibility, one that finds beauty in the everyday lives of ordinary people. We can understand this image better by looking at the history of printmaking and the art market. Prints made art more accessible to a wider audience, beyond the wealthy elite. By studying prints like this, we can understand how art was used to represent and shape social values.