Stefano della Bella et Le Vase de Médicis : dessin et éducation artistique au XVIIe siècle
This thesis will address the practice of the Florentine draughtsman and printmaker Stefano della Bella (1610-1664), more specifically in regard to his actions related to teaching drawing and his emphasis on this activity in his work.  I will primarily focus on his engraving titled The Medici Vase, dated 1656, in which the artist drawing an antique vase becomes the main focus.  Through the drawing, the artist is representing the world surrounding him and is integrating the very figure of the observer within his work.  As such, the artist is demonstrating a new trend.  By this integration of the figure of the draughtsman, there is a manifestation of sorts of the artist’s conscience of his own image.  I will also examine the relationships that Stefano della Bella maintained with his sponsors.  Indeed, these relationships allow a better understanding of the foundations of his craft.   Furthermore, the present thesis will also explore the issue of artistic teaching, Della Bella having integrated himself in the education of princes.  He was involved in an educative program aimed at two famous princes: Louis XIV of France via educational decks of cards and Cosimo III de’ Medici via drawing classes.  The motivation behind concentrating on this aspect of Della Bella’s career is to study the way in which he used his artistic practice around influential people.  Conversely, this responsibility requires answering an offer that can become limitative and can influence the values and principles that the teachings must contribute to.  This thesis will allow a better understanding of the new status of an artist evolving in the 17th century and will provide a concrete example of a prolific artistic career that is characterised by strategic relationships.
Stefano della Bella drawing Medici Vase 17th century artistic education