Pluto, from 'Game of Mythology' (Jeu de la Mythologie)

Art Historical Context

Stefano della Bella, a 17th-century Italiancher active in Florence and Paris, created this intimate etching of *Pluto from 'Game of Myth' (Jeu de la Mythologie)* in 1644. Part of a whimsical series inspired by playing cards, it depicts the Roman god of underworld—ruler of the dead and lord of hidden wealth—in a dynamic Baroque pose, surrounded by infernal motifs. Della Bella's Baroque style shines through in the intricate details crammed into this tiny sheet (just under 2 x 2 1/4 inches), capturing the era's fascination with classical mythology amid Europe's opulent courts. Etching, della Bella's preferred medium, allowed for exquisite line work using acid-etched copper plates, producing rich textures and fine shading ideal for such miniature formats. This technique made his prints highly collectible, blending artistry with playfulness in a "game" that educated and entertained with gods and heroes. Produced during the Thirty Years' War's shadow, these works offered escapist delight, reflecting mythology's enduring cultural pull in 17th-century Europe. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Bequest of Phyllis Massar, 2011), *Pluto* invites us to ponder how games bridged art and leisure, turning ancient lore into portable treasures.

About the Artist

Stefano della Bella · 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...