Who painted Mythological Playing Cards?

Mythological Playing Cards was painted by Stefano Della Bella in 1644.

Where can I see Mythological Playing Cards?

Mythological Playing Cards is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Mythological Playing Cards?

Mythological Playing Cards is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Mythological Playing Cards

Stefano Della Bella , 1644

Mythological Playing Cards is an ink print by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1644, this print by Stefano della Bella presents a sheet of twelve miniature scenes arranged like a deck of playing cards.

Created in 1644, this print by Stefano della Bella presents a sheet of twelve miniature scenes arranged like a deck of playing cards. Each vignette is rendered in black and white on laid paper, depicting mythological episodes that range from celestial battles to tranquil moments in natural settings. The composition unites decorative framing with narrative content, offering a compact yet varied visual experience.

Subject & Meaning

The individual panels portray a range of mythic narratives: deities and heroes engaged in combat, flight, or repose amid forests, waterways, and ships. Figures are shown in dynamic poses, their garments billowing, while the surrounding landscapes—trees, clouds, and vessels—provide contextual backdrops that suggest both the grandeur of the divine and the intimacy of mortal encounters.

Technique & Style

Executed as an etching, the work showcases della Bella’s precise line work and mastery of tonal contrast on laid paper. The artist employs fine hatching to model forms and suggest atmospheric effects, while the clear outlines delineate each card‑like frame. This method allows for sharp detail within the limited scale, emphasizing movement and texture across the varied mythological scenes.

History & Provenance

Stefano della Bella, a prolific Italian draughtsman and printmaker active in the mid‑17th century, produced over a thousand prints and numerous drawings, though his painted output is limited to a single documented work. *Mythological Playing Cards* reflects his interest in genre subjects and his ability to blend narrative and decorative motifs, a characteristic that contributed to his reputation across Europe during his lifetime.

Artist & collection

Artist

Stefano Della Bella

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.