Plate 15: a Polish nobleman, facing away, holding his horse covered in leopard skin, four men and a horse in background, from 'Diversi capricci' 1644 - 1647

Stefano della Bella etched this plate of a Polish nobleman and his horse in the mid-17th century. Part of a series titled 'Diversi capricci', or Various Caprices, it presents us with an intriguing glimpse into the cultural fascination with exoticism and status during that period. Here, Bella uses the visual language of costume and accoutrements to convey meaning. The nobleman's attire, along with the leopard skin draped over his horse, speaks of wealth, power and a certain theatrical flair. Remember, this was a time when European courts were keenly interested in displays of opulence and the adoption of foreign styles. The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, known for its unique Sarmatism culture, offered a particularly rich source of such imagery. To truly understand this print, one needs to delve into the history of cross-cultural exchange and the politics of representation. Art historians consult costume books, travelogues, and diplomatic records to unpack the full significance of images like these, revealing how art both reflected and shaped perceptions of identity and difference.