Timeline

A hugely talented and prolific artist, Stefano della Bella succeeded Jacques Callot as Medici court designer and printmaker. Between 1639 and 1650 he worked in France, establishing a flourishing career in Paris and publishing numerous prints; indeed, the majority of his prints date from this fertile period. After his return to Florence in 1650, Della Bella continued to enjoy Medici patronage. His oeuvre numbers over 1,000 etchings, and many times more drawings; all works of considerable energy and inventiveness.