Stefano della Bella

Stefano della Bella, born in Florence in 1610, was an Italian draughtsman and printmaker who left an astonishing legacy of over a thousand prints and several thousand drawings. Apprenticed first to a goldsmith, he quickly found his calling in engraving and etching, studying under Remigio Cantagallina, who also taught the renowned Jacques Callot. Della Bella's early work shows a clear influence from Callot. His talent was recognized early; at just seventeen, he presented an e…