Plate 10: two horsemen descending a mountain at left, another horseman to right in background, from 'Diversi capricci' 1639 - 1649

Stefano della Bella created this etching, 'Plate 10', as part of his 'Diversi capricci' series in the 17th century. During this time, Italy was experiencing the aftermath of the Renaissance, and artists like della Bella began exploring more personal and whimsical themes, moving away from purely religious or classical subjects. Here, we see three horsemen in a landscape, each figure rendered with a delicate, almost playful line. Della Bella's personal history as a designer for the Medici court surely influenced his attention to detail and decorative flair, seen here in the riders' garments and the horses' postures. But beyond the surface, there's a sense of journey, perhaps even uncertainty, as the figures descend the mountain. This image invites us to consider how identity is performed through attire and how landscapes can reflect inner emotional states. It reminds us that even seemingly lighthearted works can carry deeper reflections on the human condition, offering a glimpse into the complexities of self and society during a period of significant cultural transition.