A galley embarking at center, seen from behind, the stern of another galley to right under a fire, eight men in a rowboat to left, from 'Varie figure'

Art Historical Context

In this dynamic etching from Stefano della Bella *Varie figure* series, circa 1645, a central galley embarks viewed from behind, its oars poised in motion, while the stern of another vessel burns fiercely to the right. To the left, eight men row urgently in a small boat, capturing a tense naval drama amid smoke and chaos. Della Bella, a masterful Italian printmaker active in Paris, excelled at rendering such vivid scenes of military life, blending intricate detail with dramatic energy. Printed as the first state of, this rare early impression (4 3/16 x 6 5/8 in.) showcases the etching medium's precision—acid biting into copper plates to create fine lines and textures that convey water's ripple, fire's flicker, and figures' urgency. Published with François Langlois, it reflects 17th-century printmaking's boom, making high-art scenes accessible beyond paintings. Set against Europe's mid-century conflicts, like the waning Thirty Years' War and Mediterranean galley warfare, the work evokes the perils of naval combat. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's bequest from Phyllis Massar, it highlights Della Bella's Baroque flair for storytelling through prints, inviting viewers to ponder the human scale of historical battles.

About the Artist

Stefano della Bella|François Langlois · 1610–1664

Stefano della Bella (1610-1664) was one of the most prolific and versatile printmakers of the Italian Baroque period, leaving behind 1,052 prints and several thousand drawings that captured the vivid essence of 17th-century European life. Born in Florence on May 18, 1610, to a family of artists, he trained initially as a goldsmith before studying painting under Cesare Dandini and etching under Rem...