Plate 4: a horse in profile facing the left, about to descend from a mound, a horseman to left in background, from 'Diversi capricci' 1644 - 1647

Stefano della Bella made this print called Plate 4: a horse in profile in the mid-17th century. It's one of a series called 'Diversi capricci', meaning different caprices or fantasies. In Bella’s time, Florence was ruled by the Medici dynasty, who used art to project an image of power and sophistication. Horses were an important status symbol. The Medici family were keen equestrian enthusiasts and owned a large number of horses. They even had their own riding school. Look closely and you will see the fine lines and intricate details that Bella was able to achieve with the etching technique. Note the horse's careful descent from the mound. The horse and rider are symbols of aristocratic power. But by presenting the image as a ‘capriccio’, Bella is inviting us to see it with a sense of wit and irony. To fully appreciate Bella's work, it's essential to delve into the social and institutional contexts in which he was working, researching the history of the Medici court and the role of art in shaping its image.