Il Stregozzo

About this work

This print shows four muscular men dragging a woman on the skeleton of a giant, scaly creature. The scene is wild—twisted vines, a lion’s head, and a scorpion tail coil around the bodies. The men’s faces are tense, their muscles defined, while the woman’s body is limp. Shadows and light carve deep into their forms, making everything look dramatic and alive. The caption says this is an allegory, meaning it’s not just a story but a symbolic scene. The creature’s name, *Il Stregozzo*, hints at something magical or mysterious, but the artist left the meaning up to us. If you like this dramatic style, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more prints like it.