Semiramis 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella's etching "Semiramis" (1620-1664) depicts the legendary queen of Assyria astride a rearing horse, wearing a flowing gown and a headdress adorned with feathers. The print, now in the Rijksmuseum, showcases della Bella's mastery of line and detail in capturing the energy of the scene, and highlights the important historical figure of Semiramis. The text below the image, written in French, provides a short biography of the queen, emphasizing her role in expanding the Assyrian empire.