Two Putti on a Goat c. 1640

Stefano della Bella made this pen and brown ink drawing called "Two Putti on a Goat" in 17th-century Italy. The image presents a playful scene, but it connects to the tradition of mythological and allegorical imagery that was popular at the time. The putti, or cherubic figures, and the goat are visual codes. They evoke classical antiquity and the pastoral genre. Della Bella was working within a well-established system of artistic patronage, where artists were commissioned by wealthy individuals or institutions to create works that reflected their status and cultural interests. In fact, the artist spent time in the service of the Medici family in Florence, a key center of artistic production and patronage. The drawing embodies the values of the time, which were often associated with refinement, learning, and a connection to the past. Understanding the social and institutional context is crucial. We can look at letters, journals, and financial records of the time to get a better understanding. That way we can truly appreciate how the artwork was produced and consumed.