Stefano della Bella (1610–1664) Panel with Italian rebuses, depicting Fortune. Circa 1639. Etching. 211 x 285 mm. De Vesme, Massar 689. A very fine print on thin Italian laid paper, from the first state (of 2); the figure of Fortune is placed between two weights and is dressed in a short drapery (which was later lengthened to the knees), trimmed at the edge of the plate. Horizontal drying crease in the center. A few light foxing spots at the edges. Small brown ink stain on the reverse, showing through to the obverse. AABM stamp (Lugt 3075). The entire rebus consists of a series of Baroque maxims on luck and fate. Rebus solution (line by line): La fortuna è un sonno (Fortune is a sleep) Ognuno balla à chi la fortuna suona (Everyone dances to the tune that fortune plays) A chi la fortuna (dà) ogni piccola chiave... (To whom fortune gives every little key...) Ma ognuno sa quando è sotto il vento (But everyone knows when they’re down on their luck) Meglio è un'oncia di fortuna che due lire di sapere (Better an ounce of luck than two lire of knowledge) Più fortuna che senno (More luck than sense)