La Mort Emportant un Enfant c. 17th century

This etching, La Mort Emportant un Enfant, was created by Stefano della Bella sometime in the mid-17th century. It's a print, made by incising lines into a copper plate, inking it, and running it through a press. Prints like this were relatively inexpensive, and therefore accessible to a wide audience. The technique allowed for the easy reproduction of images, which could then be circulated and consumed as commodities. The image shows a skeleton carrying a child on his shoulders and this reflects the very high rates of childhood mortality at this time. Della Bella has skillfully used line to create a sense of depth and shadow. Ultimately, this print's significance lies not only in its artistic qualities but also in its function as a cultural artifact, reflecting the social and economic conditions of its time. It reminds us of the importance of considering the materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.