Plate 6: two women, one nursing a child, seated next to a dog and a horse carrying a pack, horses and figures to left in the background, from 'Various Figures' (Agréable diversité de figures) 1642

Stefano della Bella created this print, "Plate 6: two women, one nursing a child, seated next to a dog and a horse carrying a pack, horses and figures to left in the background, from 'Various Figures'," in the 17th century, a time when Europe was dealing with wars, famine, and disease. This small scene depicts women, children, and animals in transit, perhaps refugees or travelers. Della Bella, an Italian artist who often worked for wealthy patrons, may have been commenting on the lives of ordinary people affected by the upheavals of his time. The image of a woman nursing a child offers a stark depiction of motherhood amidst displacement. It invites us to consider the intersection of gender and class, and the universal experiences of caregiving, survival, and the silent resilience of women throughout history. Della Bella's focus on women and their roles adds a layer of intimacy to the larger narrative of movement. The image thus reflects both the societal issues of the 17th century and the timeless themes of family and endurance.