The Fortifications at Livorno

probably c. 1654/1655

Stefano Della Bella

Associated Names
Stefano Della Bella

Artist, Florentine, 1610 - 1664

The image shows a detailed etching of a busy harbor scene. There is a high horizon with the sea in the background and various boats and ships. Figures are depicted loading goods onto boats, and others are preparing sails on larger ships. The etching features fine lines and cross-hatching to show textures like clouds and water. The color palette is primarily grayscale, creating contrast between light and shadow. In the distance, a fortified structure and additional ships are visible.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Accession Number

    1972.66.7

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    De Vesme/Massar 1971, no. 849, State i/ii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

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

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1974

  • NGA Recent Acquisitions 1974, no. 99.

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. 849, i/ii.

1971

  • De Vesme, Alexandre, Phyllis Dearborn Massar.Stefano Della Bella. New York, 1971: no. 849, i/ii.

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: no. III. 115.

Wikidata ID

Q65577755

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