Two Designs for Friezes with Acanthus Scrolls, Each with a Variant, Plate 4 from: 'Decorative friezes and foliage' (Ornamenti di fregi e fogliami) 1645 - 1650

Stefano della Bella created these designs for friezes with acanthus scrolls as part of his series "Decorative Friezes and Foliage." Della Bella lived in the 17th century, a time when Europe was consumed by wars and aristocratic power. These designs reflect a society deeply invested in displays of wealth and status through decoration. The friezes, with their intricate patterns and inclusion of animal forms like lions and eagles, were intended to adorn the homes of the elite, reinforcing their dominance and cultural sophistication. Looking at these friezes, you might consider how spaces are shaped by power, and how power shapes space. Does the idea of living in a space decorated by these friezes evoke feelings of majesty? Or perhaps constraint? Either way, it would be hard to feel neutral. These friezes offer a glimpse into the visual language through which identities were constructed and communicated in early modern Europe.