Rinceaux with Child Frightened by Dogs, plate 8 from "Decorative friezes and foliage" (Ornamenti di fregi e fogliami) 1643 - 1653

Stefano della Bella created this ornamental etching on paper in the 17th century. Etching involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then draws through this coating, exposing the metal. When the plate is submerged in acid, the exposed lines are “bitten” or corroded, creating grooves. The plate is then inked, and the ink held in these grooves is transferred to paper under high pressure. This print showcases della Bella’s mastery of the etching process. He uses line and shadow to conjure depth and movement. Note the contrast between the delicate, feathery lines of the foliage and the more robust rendering of the figures. Ornament like this was intended for dissemination and reuse. It democratized design ideas, allowing artisans across Europe to incorporate the latest trends into their own work. This speaks to the growing commercialization of art, where prints played a crucial role in spreading aesthetic ideas. By considering the printmaking process, we gain a deeper understanding of the artistic and social context in which this image was created.