A horseman and his wife, seated side-saddle behind him, riding towards the right, other horsemen and footsoldiers in the background, from 'Various cavalry exercises' (Diverses exercices de cavalerie) 1642 - 1645

Stefano della Bella made this etching, A Horseman and His Wife, as part of a series called 'Various Cavalry Exercises' sometime in the mid-17th century. The print gives us a glimpse into the world of military training and the social customs of the time. Notice how the horseman and his wife take center stage, while other riders and soldiers fade into the background. This detail might tell us something about the importance of the aristocracy in military culture. Della Bella was working in Florence, Italy, during a period of significant political and social change, particularly the rise of powerful families like the Medici. The military was not just about defense, but also a display of power and status. Prints like these served as both records and promotions of that power. To fully understand this image, we can consult military manuals, fashion plates, and social histories of the period. This helps us see how art is deeply embedded in the social and institutional contexts of its time.