Several horses fighting, one horse to right kicking two horses on the ground below to left, other horses fighting in the background, from 'Various cavalry exercises' (Diverses exercices de cavalerie) 1642 - 1645

Stefano della Bella created this etching, titled 'Several horses fighting', sometime in the mid-17th century. In this dynamic scene, the eye is immediately drawn to the foreground, where a chaotic clash of horses unfolds. Della Bella’s use of line is remarkable; dense, rhythmic strokes define the musculature of the animals, conveying a sense of raw energy. The composition, though seemingly disordered, is carefully structured to guide the viewer's gaze. Notice how the central horse, rearing up, acts as a focal point, its posture creating a sense of tension and instability. The use of hatching and cross-hatching not only models form but also adds a textural richness to the print. In essence, the artwork presents a study in controlled chaos, reflecting broader Baroque-era concerns with motion, emotion, and the interplay of form and content. Ultimately, Della Bella’s print destabilizes the traditional decorum of equestrian art.