Plate 16: four studies of horse heads, from 'Various heads and figures' (Diverses têtes et figures) 1650

Stefano della Bella created this print, "Plate 16: four studies of horse heads," using etching techniques. The composition is simply yet effectively structured, dividing the small rectangular sheet into quadrants, each containing a study of a horse’s head. The artist’s masterful use of line evokes a sense of movement and vitality. Della Bella captures the musculature and expressive features of the horses with remarkable economy, using varied line weights to suggest depth and shadow. The bridles and reins on two of the horses add a layer of detail, contrasting the raw, unfettered beauty of the other two studies. The arrangement of the heads invites a comparative reading, almost like a semiotic study in equine portraiture. Each head presents a slightly different angle and mood. Della Bella challenges fixed notions of representation, prompting viewers to engage in an active process of interpretation and meaning-making. The seemingly simple sketch destabilizes traditional artistic hierarchies and celebrates the beauty found in the study of natural forms.