Salmacis and Hermaphrodite, from 'Game of Mythology' (Jeu de la Mythologie)

Art Historical Context

In the intricate etching *Salmacis andaphrodite* from Stefano della Bella's *Game of Mythology* (u de la Mythologie created in 1644 the Italian Baroque artist captures a pivotal moment from Ovid's *Metamorphoses The nymph Salmacis, enamored with the youthful Hermaphroditus bathing in her pool, prays to the gods for eternal union. They merge into a single, androgynous being—the origin of the term "hermaphrodite." Della Bella, a master etcher known for his delicate line work and dynamic compositions, renders this mythological transformation with exquisite finesse on a diminutive sheet (3 7/16 x 2 1/4 in.), inviting close inspection. As part of a series of 14 prints designed as playing cards, this work reflects 17th-century fascination with classical myths, blending education and entertainment for elite audiences. Etching, Della Bella's preferred medium, allowed for precise, fluid lines etched into a copper plate with acid, producing rich tonal effects unachievable in woodcuts. Produced during his time in Paris, it exemplifies the Baroque emphasis on movement, emotion, and narrative drama in printmaking. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Bequest of Phyllis Massar, 2011), this piece highlights how small-scale prints democratized mythology, influencing fashion, theater, and decor across Europe. A testament to della Bella's prolific output—over 1,000 prints—it remains a gem for admirers of Renaissance humanism and virtuoso technique.

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...