Stefano della Bella, “A Reclining Lion, Facing Left”, c. 1641

Stefano della Bella (1610–1664)
“A Reclining Lion, Facing Left”, or “Un Lion Couché, Tourné vers la Gauche”, circa 1641

Technical Details & Condition:

Etching on fine laid paper, with a narrow margin surrounding the platemark. The impression is richly inked, strong, and faultlessly printed—likely a lifetime impression showing no signs of wear to the printing plate. The sheet is in near-pristine condition, free from tears, holes, folds, abrasions, or significant stains. 

This plate (number 5) is part of the series “Diversi Animali” (Various Animals), comprising twenty-five plates including the title plate. It is an impression from state iii (of iii), with the publisher’s details for Pierre Mariette I (c. 1603–1657) erased from the previous state.

Dimensions:

• Sheet: 8.6 x 10.9 cm
• Plate mark: 8.4 x 10.6 cm

Plate Lettering:

• Lower left: “5 Stef. della Bella fecit”
• Lower centre: “Cum priuilegio”

References:

• De Vesme/Massar 694 (Alexandre de Vesme, revised by Phyllis Dearborn Massar, Stefano della Bella: Catalogue Raisonné, 1971, New York, Collectors Editions, [text] p. 111, cat. no. 694, [ill.] p. 133)
• Rijksmuseum: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200155718

Price & Shipping:

AU$266 (approximately US$187.93 / €163.33 / £140.95), including worldwide express shipping.
Please note: Import duties and taxes (if any) are the buyer’s responsibility.

If you are interested in acquiring this finely rendered etching of a reclining lion in a landscape—with a second lion seen from behind in the distance—please contact me at oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com. I am happy to provide a secure PayPal invoice for a seamless purchase.