Title Page for "Jeu des Mythologie"

Executed in etching, the image relies on acid‑bitten lines that retain ink during printing, producing deep, velvety blacks. Della Bella’s handling of line is vigorous, with swirling, thick strokes that convey the turbulence of sea‑foam and the movement of the airborne sprites, a hallmark of his dynamic graphic style.

Created in 1644, the print was originally intended as the title page for a French publication of mythological games. While the book itself is rare, copies of the etching have circulated among collectors of early modern prints, reflecting della Bella’s reputation as a prolific printmaker who produced over a thousand images in his career.

During the 1640s, Italian etchers were increasingly employed to illustrate literary works, merging visual and textual storytelling. Della Bella’s contribution fits within this broader trend, where artists supplied elaborate frontispieces that set the tone for the reader’s experience of mythic narratives.