Plate 1: A cartouche with series title, from 'Caprice faict par de la Bella' 1640 - 1645

Stefano della Bella created this print, ‘Plate 1: A cartouche with series title, from Caprice faict par de la Bella’, using etching. The composition is immediately striking, defined by a symmetrical cartouche filled with elegant text. The cartouche’s swirling, almost baroque lines contrast with the clean, horizontal lines which border the image's outer edges, creating a captivating interplay between order and spontaneity. The symmetry of the cartouche, while visually pleasing, introduces semiotic complexity. The mirroring of forms suggests balance and harmony, yet the grotesque masks at the base hint at hidden meanings. Della Bella uses line and form to destabilize a singular interpretation. The text itself functions as a sign, identifying the artist and the series title, grounding the artwork in a specific cultural context while inviting us to consider how the interplay between image and text shapes meaning. This print serves not only as a decorative piece but as a structural exploration of how design elements communicate on multiple levels.