Choc de cavalerie (Clash of the caveliers).

c1641. Only State. From the series 'Divers dessins tant pour la paix que pour la guerre', published by Israël Henriet, Paris. The battle scene extends from left to centre, with cavaliers galloping into the distance on the right. Della Bella was born in Florence in 1610, and studied the art of etching under Remigio Cantagallina, who had also been the master of Callot. While at first the young artist undertook to emulate Callot, he soon developed a style of his own. "No artist has handled the point with more facility and finesse than Della Bella. His execution is admirable, and his touch spirited and picturesque. He designed his subjects with infinite taste, and his plates produce a clear and brilliant effect.". (Bryan's Dictionary Of Painters And Engravers). The present etching dates from Della Bella's enormously productive and successful stay in Paris, where he worked from 1640 to 1649, etching prints on a wide variety of subjects: military, landscape, theatrical, religious, architectural, &c. De Vesme/Massar 267. etching. 107 x 250 mm. signed 'DB' in the plate. A very good impression, trimmed just outside plate mark (remains of old tape in upper margin outside plate mark). Provenance: James Barry Anderson (rubberstamp on verso)