Diane c. 17th century

Curator: This is Stefano della Bella's etching, "Diane," dating from around the 17th century, currently residing here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Editor: It's a tiny window into another world. The cross-hatching gives everything a somewhat soft and blurry affect, as if the scene exists just beyond a veil. Curator: Bella frequently used mythological subjects, and here we see Diane, or Artemis, the Roman goddess of the hunt, relaxing in what appears to be a wooded area, flanked by her dogs. Editor: Absolutely, it’s quite clear what she signifies! The texture is fascinating. The artist creates layers with different types of lines which helps create the illusion of depth even on a small scale. How does the iconography of Diane fit into the broader cultural context? Curator: Diane is an enduring symbol of female power and independence. Renaissance and Baroque era nobles often identified with classical figures as a form of self-representation and asserting their noble virtues. This depiction isn’t militant, she isn’t posed, yet this is a depiction of someone quite authoritative. Editor: She embodies control without forceful presentation, quite interesting. Did this artist commonly use dogs as recurring symbol in other works? Curator: Absolutely, he returns to dogs frequently; the symbolism speaks to Diane's pack, but also is representative of her watchful vigilance over both animals and humans. This protective role, so present within the ancient myths, speaks to the strength, autonomy, and determination that defined her role as goddess of the hunt. Editor: Thanks, it gives some perspective of the recurring themes with this artist! Curator: Consider the contrast; this tiny etching speaks volumes about authority and autonomy—themes still vibrant centuries later. Editor: Yes, truly amazing what is rendered through line alone.