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.
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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
Print
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.