Phalaris Having Perillus Thrown into the Bronze Bull 1620 - 1664

Stefano della Bella created this print, "Phalaris Having Perillus Thrown into the Bronze Bull," sometime in the mid-17th century. The composition, rendered in delicate lines, depicts a scene of cruelty with classical undertones. Figures are densely packed, creating a sense of claustrophobia. Notice how della Bella uses line to define form and convey emotion. The contorted figures, especially the man being forced into the bull, evoke a sense of suffering. The artist masterfully uses classical motifs to frame a narrative about power, cruelty, and justice. The print engages with a historical and philosophical discourse of its time, inviting us to consider the complex relationship between art, power, and morality. This work remains a potent reminder of art's capacity to challenge and unsettle conventional meanings through innovative formal techniques.