Views of the Port of Livorno: Houses Overlooking a Port 1654 - 1655

Stefano della Bella made this print, Views of the Port of Livorno: Houses Overlooking a Port, using etching techniques. The incised lines that describe the scene were achieved by drawing into a wax ground laid on a copper plate, which was then submerged in acid. This print offers a snapshot of 17th-century maritime commerce. Look closely, and you'll see the material realities of trade: barrels being loaded, ships at anchor, and figures engaged in various tasks along the shore. Della Bella has captured the essence of the port's industry, with a network of human labor and the transit of goods. Etching itself was also deeply entwined with trade. The printing press allowed for the wide circulation of images and ideas. By mastering this process, Della Bella wasn't just making art; he was participating in a broader network of production and exchange. The image is a result of the labor of the artist, but also depicts labor as its subject. Recognizing this connection between making, materials, and context allows us to appreciate the print not just as a pretty picture, but as a document of its time.