Plate 1: two children sitting on the ground, the child on the right drawing while the child on the left holding the album, the title page from 'The Book for Learning to Draw' (Livre pour apprendre à dessiner) 1644 - 1654

Stefano della Bella etched this title page for "The Book for Learning to Draw" in Venice, sometime in the mid-17th century. It shows two cherubic children, one drawing and the other holding a book, suggesting the importance of learning and artistic skill. But this image speaks to more than just the cultivation of talent. In 17th-century Europe, art academies were becoming increasingly influential institutions. They shaped artistic taste and provided a pathway to professional success. Della Bella's image reflects this growing emphasis on formal training. The presence of the noble coat of arms suggests that this type of education was available for a specific group of people. The inscription dedicating the drawing book to an ambassador is a blatant demonstration of institutional power. To fully understand this print, we would want to research the history of drawing instruction and the role of academies in Venice during this period, and consider what sources of patronage Della Bella might have been appealing to. Studying the history of institutions allows us to interpret not just the artistic quality, but the social context of the art.