The image is an etching showing a shipyard scene. Two figures are seated on the left, one wrapped in detailed fabric, while another stands nearby. In the background, a ship is under construction with scaffolding and several figures working on the deck. The horizon is subtly visible aligned with the lower mast and dock work. The etching technique is evident in the fine line work and shading, capturing fabric texture and ship structure. The color palette is monochromatic, emphasizing intricate detailing and line work over color.
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The image is an etching showing a shipyard scene. Two figures are seated on the left, one wrapped in detailed fabric, while another stands nearby. In the background, a ship is under construction with scaffolding and several figures working on the deck. The horizon is subtly visible aligned with the lower mast and dock work. The etching technique is evident in the fine line work and shading, capturing fabric texture and ship structure. The color palette is monochromatic, emphasizing intricate detailing and line work over color.

National Gallery of Art · Print

A Seated White Sailor and a Standing Black Sailor

Stefano Della Bella

Medium
etching on laid paper [restrike]
Classification
Print
Accession number
1986.50.35
Credit line
Transferred from The Library of Congress
Time span
1601 to 1650
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Quadreria Medicea, vol.3 (1986.50.11-108)

Subjects and terms

  • Florentine
  • Seated figure
  • Ship
  • Man
  • Figures
  • Wood

NGA object ID 67714. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.