
Read the visual description
This is a drawing of an elaborate theatrical stage or arena. It features an enclosed space with high walls adorned with numerous sculptures and decorative elements, multiple tiers of seating ascending the walls on both sides, and a large horse-drawn chariot in the center. Figures and additional horses are dispersed throughout the scene. The architecture includes ornately detailed structures topped with crowns and eagles, suggesting a regal or imperial theme. The precision of line work and detailed ornamentation is reminiscent of baroque aesthetics.
National Gallery of Art · Print
Aerial View of Theatre
Stefano Della Bella
- Date
- 1652
- Medium
- etching and engraving on laid paper
- Dimensions
- plate: 56.6 x 43.4 cm (22 5/16 x 17 1/16 in.) sheet: 61.3 x 44.8 cm (24 1/8 x 17 5/8 in.)
- Classification
- Accession number
- 1987.62.1
- Credit line
- Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
- Time span
- 1651 to 1700
- Department
- CG-E
Portfolio and series
- Series
- La gara delle Stagioni [Vesme 51-64]
Subjects and terms
- Florentine
- etching
- engraving
- holidays/festivals/parties
- genre
- Parade
Inscription
lower right in plate: SDBella / 1652; lower right in graphite below plate mark: V 51
NGA object ID 70189. 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.