Ruiter te paard 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella created this print, “Ruiter te paard”, which translates to Horse Rider, sometime in the 17th century. It’s made using etching, a printmaking process where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, which then holds ink. Look closely, and you'll see the distinct character of this technique; the way the lines define form, creating shadows and textures. Notice how the rider and horse stand out against the sparse landscape, emphasized by the etched lines. Etching allowed artists like Della Bella to produce multiple copies of their work, making art more accessible. It also speaks to the growing culture of collecting and connoisseurship at the time, a direct product of economic expansion. The amount of work and skill involved highlights its status as both a mode of artistic expression, and a commercial enterprise. So, next time you see a print, remember that it's not just an image, but the product of craft, labor, and a specific moment in history.