Plate 34: head of a young man in a cap adorned with a few feathers, turned three-quarters to the left, from 'Second collection of various doodles and etching proofs' (Second recueil de divers griffonnements et preuves d'eauforte) 1643 - 1648

Editor: Here we have Stefano della Bella’s, “Plate 34: head of a young man in a cap adorned with a few feathers” created sometime between 1643 and 1648. It's an engraving, quite small and delicate. I’m immediately drawn to the softness of the face, the downcast gaze. What does this portrait evoke for you? Curator: The gaze is key. The print invites contemplation on the artist’s perspective and on what that represents. This etching exists as part of a larger "collection of doodles", a study. Consider the function of the medium - print. Prints allow images and ideas to circulate widely, influencing perceptions of beauty and identity. Think about how portraits, even seemingly casual ones like this, helped solidify social hierarchies and expectations. Who got represented, and how? Editor: So even what looks like a simple doodle can tell us about social status at the time? Curator: Absolutely. Della Bella worked for powerful patrons like the Medici family. His artistic output reflected and reinforced their values. This isn't just a pretty face; it's a window into the culture of patronage and the circulation of images within elite circles. Have you noticed other details like the soft curls, and feathers that construct his appearance? Editor: Now that you mention it, the hair and hat do look pretty intentional! It's not a candid shot at all. Curator: Precisely! It is carefully constructed. This etching wasn't created in a vacuum; it was shaped by the artistic trends, social pressures, and political landscape of its time. By looking closely at the choices della Bella made—the way he presents the subject, the medium he uses—we can unpack some of those layers. What do you think of that cap and those few feathers now? Editor: That gives me so much to consider – thanks. Now when I see this portrait I think of power and control. Curator: Wonderful. These objects are powerful records, each line, choice and doodle holds clues about how our world, even hundreds of years ago, came to be.