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Stefano della Bella

The Opening Assembly of the Equestrian Ballet

1661
Etching on ivory laid paper
29.3 × 44.3 cm (11.5 × 17.4 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Influenced by the graphic work of Jacques Callot, a French artist working in Italy, Stefano della Bella was trained by a goldsmith, who taught him metalworking techniques for creating objects in miniature. This print records a festival held at the Pitti Palace by Ferdinando Tacca for Grand Duke Ferdinand II de’Medici. Over one thousand prints by della Bella’s hand are known, and this type marks the culmination of his career.

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