Hungarian horseman riding towards the right, other horsemen in the background, a circular composition from 'Figures on Horseback' (Cavaliers nègres, polonais et hongrois) 1646 - 1656

This print, 'Hungarian horseman riding towards the right' was made by Stefano della Bella in the 17th century. It is made using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on metal plates, acid, and a skilled hand. The material qualities of the print - its fine lines and delicate shading - are a direct result of the etching process. Della Bella would have coated a copper plate with a waxy ground, drawn his image into the wax, and then submerged the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating the lines that hold ink. The more labor involved, the richer the print would be. This image belongs to a series of equestrian figures, reflecting the period's fascination with horsemanship and military prowess. The print medium itself allowed for the mass production and distribution of such imagery, catering to a growing market for art. We can see the influence of labor and class here, as this form of art democratized images for the wider population. Recognizing the importance of materials, making, and context, helps us to fully understand the cultural significance of this artwork.