Perseus en Medusa 1620 - 1664

This etching, *Perseus and Medusa*, was created by Stefano della Bella, likely as part of a series of playing cards. The primary visual experience is one of dynamic tension, achieved through the stark contrast of light and shadow, and the frenetic energy of the lines. Note how Bella employs cross-hatching to build form and volume, particularly in the figures of Perseus, Medusa, and Pegasus, born from Medusa's blood. Bella destabilizes the traditional heroic narrative. Perseus, often portrayed as a triumphant victor, is rendered here with a certain awkwardness. His gaze is averted, his posture somewhat ungainly. This challenges fixed meanings around heroism and power. The overall composition, with its dense, almost chaotic linework, further complicates any straightforward reading. It invites us to consider the psychological complexities inherent in acts of violence and transformation. Consider how this intricate, small-scale print engages with larger questions about representation and meaning. The work serves not merely as an illustration of myth, but as a site for its ongoing interpretation.