Departure of a Ship

probably c. 1654/1655

Stefano Della Bella

Associated Names
Stefano Della Bella

Artist, Florentine, 1610 - 1664

The image shows a busy maritime scene from a waterfront perspective. A group of figures is gathered near the water, engaging in various activities. A large vessel with a canopy is moored nearby, with people boarding and disembarking using planks. In the distance, several large sailing ships with prominent masts and sails are anchored. Smoke rises from the ships, suggesting activity. The sky appears overcast with textured horizontal lines and puffy clouds. The scene is depicted in a monochromatic palette, with intricate line work showing detail and texture, creating a dynamic appearance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Accession Number

    1972.66.4

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    De Vesme/Massar 1971, no. 846, State ii/ii


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(P. & D. Colnaghi & Co., Ltd., London); purchased by NGA, 1972.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2007

  • Fabulous Journeys and Faraway Places: Travels on Paper, 1450 - 1700, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 2007

Bibliography

1906

  • Vesme, Alexandre de (Baudi di Vesme, Alessandro). Le peintre-graveur italien; ouvrage faisant suite au peintre-graveur de Bartsch. Milan: Ulrico Hoepli, 1906: no.846.

1971

  • De Vesme, Alexandre, Phyllis Dearborn Massar.Stefano Della Bella. New York, 1971: no.846.

2001

  • Talbierska, Jolanta.AKWAFORTY ZE ZBIOROW GABINETU RYCIN BIBLIOTEKI UNIWERSYTECKIEJ W WARSZAWIE / Etchings from the Collection of the Print Room of the Warsaw University Library. Warsaw, 2001: 161, no.112.

Wikidata ID

Q65577749

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