Paisages Maritimes. Faicts par S.D.Bella Et Mis en lumière par Israël

[Paris?: 1640's?]. etched title & 6 etched plates. approximately 122/141 x 73/83 mm. all mounted in an album. oblong 8vo. 19th century mottled calf by R. De Coverley, all edges gilt (joints cracked, hinges strengthened). [BOUND WITH:] BELLA, S[tefano] Della. [Vues de Ports de Mer]. 8 etched plates. approximately 136/138 x 85/89 mm. [Paris?: 1640's?]. Two complete suites of maritime views by Della Bella; First States of all of the plates. 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 series of etchings date 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. They demonstrate his fascination for seaports and marine views, of which he produced several sets, large and small. The second series includes three harbour views of Amsterdam, one showing Herringpacker's Tower, two of Calais, one showing the Tower of Calais, and one of of the stormy strait between Calais and Dover. These are often cited as evidence that Della Bella visited Amsterdam in 1646 or 1647 (see Phyllis Dearborn Massar, Presenting Stefano della Bella Seventeenth-century Printmaker, pp. 114-117) De Vesme 787-793; 794-801.. Hardcover.