A satyr sitting against a tree to right and holding a flute in his right hand, a child playing with a goat to left, plate 23 from "Diversi capricci"

Art Historical Context

This charming etching by Stefano della Bella, created around 1644–47, captures a playful mythological scene from his series *Diversi capricci*. A satyr reclines against a tree, flute in hand, while a young child interacts with a goat nearby. The small print, measuring just over three by three and a half inches, invites close viewing and reflects the artist’s skill in rendering lively, imaginative figures in a compact format. Della Bella, a leading Italian print of the Baroque era, specialized in etchings that blended classical themes with whimsical invention. *Capricci* like this one allowed artists to explore fantastical subjects outside strict narrative traditions, appealing to collectors who enjoyed their lighthearted spirit. The third state of four indicates the print was refined through multiple stages, showcasing the technical precision of etching as a medium that enabled fine lines and delicate shading. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1917, this work highlights the enduring appeal of mythological motifs in 17th-century European art. Its intimate scale and joyful subject matter continue to draw viewers into a world of pastoral fantasy.

About the Artist

Stefano della Bella|Nicolas Langlois · 1610–1664

Stefano della Bella (1610-1664) was one of the most prolific and versatile printmakers of the Italian Baroque period, leaving behind 1,052 prints and several thousand drawings that captured the vivid essence of 17th-century European life. Born in Florence on May 18, 1610, to a family of artists, he trained initially as a goldsmith before studying painting under Cesare Dandini and etching under Rem...