Mercury Chasing a Satyr Holding a Book

Executed through etching, the artist incised fine lines into a copper plate, producing sharp contours and deep shadows that convey movement. The use of laid paper adds a subtle texture, while the decorative swirls framing the banner highlight the print’s ornamental qualities. The overall effect balances dynamism with the controlled precision typical of early‑17th‑century Italian prints.

The work belongs to the prolific output of Stefano della Bella, a Florentine draughtsman who produced over a thousand etchings covering a range of subjects. This particular piece is a restrike, indicating it was printed from a later impression of the original plate, a common practice that extended the circulation of popular designs during the period.

Della Bella’s prints often merged classical mythology with contemporary moral commentary, reflecting the broader Baroque interest in dramatic storytelling. The inclusion of a literary element—a book—alongside the mythic chase aligns with the era’s fascination with allegory and the didactic potential of art.