1644
ink
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Mythological Playing Cards is a 1644 ink by Stefano Della Bella, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sheet holds twelve black-and-white scenes, each framed like a playing card. The top row shows dramatic figures—some flying, some riding beasts, others tangled in storms. The middle row has people in flowing robes, some with musical instruments, others in chariots or gardens. The bottom row shifts to simpler poses: a lone figure with a staff, a man with a lion, and a woman holding a fan. These images mix action and stillness, blending myths with everyday life. The artist used fine lines to create depth, making even the roughest waves or folds in cloth look real. Want to see more like this? Try etching to explore how artists build detail with just ink and metal.
Stefano della Bella (18 May 1610 – 12 July 1664) was an Italian draughtsman and printmaker known for etchings of a great variety of subjects, including military and court scenes, landscapes, and lively genre scenes.
See the richer artist page
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