Arion, from 'Game of Mythology' (Jeu de la Mythologie) 1644

This etching, "Arion, from 'Game of Mythology'," was crafted by Stefano della Bella during the 17th century, a period marked by significant social stratification and cultural shifts. The print captures the tale of Arion, a musician, rescued at sea by a dolphin, a narrative steeped in classical mythology. Della Bella, working within a society governed by rigid class structures, uses the tale of Arion to explore themes of divine intervention and the transformative power of art. The musician surmounts the class boundaries of humanity by appealing to the natural world. Consider, though, how the dolphin –a symbol often used to represent salvation – is here rendered as a grotesque figure, with heavy and distorted features, an alternative narrative to the traditional heroic rescue. How does it feel that the musician seems calm, self-assured as he plays his instrument, almost oblivious to the dangerous depths beneath him? Ultimately, Della Bella's print reflects the complex interplay between myth, lived experience, and societal norms, inviting us to reflect on the diverse and often contradictory meanings embedded within cultural narratives.