Twenty-four riders dueling and forming two columns, from 'La Gara delle Stagioni'

Art Historical Context

Stefano della Bella, a 17th-century Italiancher, created *Twenty-four riders dueling forming two columns* in 1652 as part of his series *La Gara delleagioni* (The of the Seasons). This etching captures a thrilling equestrian spectacle, where two columns of armored riders clash in a mock battle, their horses rearing amid flashing swords and lances. Della Bella, who trained in Florence and worked in Paris, delighted in such elaborate scenes of tournaments and festivals, reflecting the Baroque era's fascination with movement, grandeur, and chivalric display. Printed on a modest sheet of 8 5/8 x 12 inches, the work showcases etching's precision—Della Bella's specialty—allowing intricate details in the riders' dynamic poses, billowing capes, and the anatomy of prancing steeds. Classified under Prints, Ornament & Architecture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, it evokes decorative friezes or architectural embellishments inspired by classical antiquity, blending artistry with ornamental appeal. Bequeathed by Phyllis Massar in 2011, this piece highlights Della Bella's influence on European printmaking, where technical virtuosity met cultural celebration of martial prowess and seasonal revelry. Imagine the dust and clamor of this frozen duel— a window into 17th-century Europe's love for spectacle!

About the Artist

Stefano della Bella · 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...