Plate 9: five heads, two young women at left, a bearded man at upper right, a young woman and a bearded man at bottom right, from 'The Book for Learning to Draw' (Livre pour apprendre à dessiner) 1644 - 1654

Stefano della Bella created this plate of head studies as part of "The Book for Learning to Draw," during the 17th century. These drawings served a didactic purpose, reflecting the hierarchical structure of art education in Bella's time, which was deeply rooted in classical ideals and the imitation of established masters. Note the variety of ages and genders depicted in the five heads. The prominence of older, bearded men alongside younger women invites us to consider the prevailing gender and age dynamics within the artistic and social structures of the era. What narratives do these pairings suggest about power, knowledge, and the gaze? Bella's decision to include both male and female figures acknowledges women's presence, albeit often within the limited roles assigned to them. The act of learning to draw, therefore, becomes not just a technical skill but a negotiation of identity and representation within a specific cultural framework. Consider how the simple act of sketching can either perpetuate traditional roles, or open up alternative narratives.