16. Stefano Della Bella
(1610-1664)

Death on the Battlefield

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Della Bella, Death on the Battlefield

Death on the Battlefield

Etching, ca. 1646/7, 224 x 296 mm., DeVesme/Massar 93 iii/iv. Fine impression, with the shading on the back of the small Death at the left, on thick laid paper with good margins; a pale stain mostly in the text area at the lower right, a tiny dot in the sky, the margins slightly dusty. A grim but fabulous image of slaughter on the field of battle, Death’s favorite promenade, as the text declares. Examining the print with a magnifier brings out multiple grisly details, all drawn and etched with consummate skill. Note that the horse’s left rear leg is devoid of skin and flesh and is only bone and hair – which hardly impedes its gallop.

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