Plate 10: Head of a Soldier, from "Drawing Basics" (I principii del disegno) 1641 - 1660

Stefano della Bella made this etching, "Head of a Soldier", as part of his "Drawing Basics" series. Made in Italy in the 17th century, this print comes from a period when art academies were becoming increasingly influential. Della Bella's series reflects the institutional drive to codify artistic training. The image presents us with a close study of a soldier, head bowed, wearing a helmet that obscures much of his face. Note the way the artist uses line to convey the textures of metal, hair, and skin. The choice of a soldier as a subject is interesting, as it speaks to the ongoing conflicts of the time and the role of the military in society. But by presenting the soldier as a model for study, Della Bella elevates him to a subject worthy of artistic attention, in line with the Renaissance humanist tradition. Understanding this work requires us to look at the history of art education, the social status of soldiers, and the cultural values of 17th-century Italy, all of which are made possible by the resources of institutional archives.