Books and Manuscripts

Bella, Stef(ano). della
Receuil de diverses pieces tres-nessessaire a la fortification...
(Paris): Israël Henriet, ca. 1640s. 8vo. Comprising an etched title-page and 11 (of 13) etchings, each signed in plate by "Israel", one signed in plate by Bella. Quarter brown calf over speckled paper-covered boards, stamped in gilt, extremities rubbed; all edges trimmed; marbled endpapers; book-plate of Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection on front paste-down; light spotting to etchings. De Vesme, Della Bella 213, 218, 217, 220, 223, 222, 219, 215, 221, 216, 224, 214 (as bound; 225 and 226 wanting); Not in Cockle

A rare collection of Italian draftsman Stefano della Bella's (1610-64) military scenes. Largely self-taught, della Bella began his career in a goldsmith's studio, and at the age of twenty, allied himself with the Medici court, which provided him with their patronage throughout his career. In 1633, with the support of the Medicis, he travelled to Rome, where for the next six years he refined his drawing and etching skills, recording Rome's landscape, ancient buildings, and scenes of daily life. In 1639 he relocated to Paris, and created a diverse range of imagery for the French nobility, including battle scenes, landscapes, and animals. 

Complete copies of this book are very rare, we can find none in the auction record. We can only find 10 of the plates, bound with other etchings, offered for sale in 2019.