Galileo in gesprek met twee oude mannen 1632

This print, "Galileo in gesprek met twee oude mannen" was created by Stefano della Bella. It’s an etching, a process that involves using acid to bite lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The linear quality of the etching is apparent across the print. Look at the way Bella has used the technique to create the rich textures of the figures’ robes and beards. He builds up the shadows with closely hatched lines, which are made by repeatedly drawing through the ground with a needle before the plate is submerged in acid. These lines aren’t just descriptive; they give the print a tactile quality, almost as if you could feel the weight and texture of the materials depicted. Stefano della Bella was a prolific printmaker, producing images for a wide range of clients and markets. Etchings like these were relatively quick and easy to produce, and could be sold at a lower price point than paintings, which means that they were much more accessible to a wider audience. This is how ideas circulated in the 17th century. So, think about the ways in which materials, making, and context all come together to give this artwork its full meaning, challenging our understanding of the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.