Sketches of Standing Woman, Seated Man, Goat, and Man Carrying Box on Back n.d.

Stefano della Bella created this pen and brown ink sketch of four figures in 17th-century Italy. The drawing presents us with a standing woman, a seated man, a goat, and a man carrying a box on his back. Della Bella was employed by the Medici family in Florence, where he produced ceremonial prints and images of court life. This sketch suggests a society preoccupied with social hierarchy and labor division. The figures appear isolated, each engaged in their own activity, hinting at a world where individuals are defined by their roles and responsibilities. The sketch invites reflection on the social conditions that shaped artistic production. What were the expectations and constraints placed upon artists during this period? How did their work reflect or challenge the norms of their time? Investigating archival material such as letters, contracts, and inventories can provide valuable insights into the social and institutional context in which art was made and received.