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

Curator: Here we have "Jason," an etching created in 1644 by Stefano della Bella, part of his 'Game of Mythology' series, currently residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: It's dramatic, isn't it? A real Baroque spectacle. That dragon looks like it’s having a really bad day. Curator: Indeed. The image depicts the scene where Jason poisons the dragon guarding the Golden Fleece. Note della Bella's expert use of line to convey texture and drama. Editor: It’s interesting how della Bella used only lines and a certain pattern to convey depth. Do you think he intended to play the dark versus light, or is there something more we are not seeing at the initial glance? Curator: Definitely, Baroque art relishes the contrast. But I'd also suggest he's playing with narrative tension, almost pausing the action right before the climax. We see Jason's act leading to the beast's demise. Editor: There's an element of moral complexity here, too. Jason, though heroic in legend, employs deception to get what he wants. Kind of blurs the line of good versus evil. Curator: Absolutely! He's no clean-cut hero, that’s for certain. Also, think of it in the broader context of 'Game of Mythology.' Della Bella isn't just illustrating; he is playfully reinterpreting the great myths. He's inviting us to participate in a visual game of decoding. Editor: Like a knowing wink at the audience. I like it. It challenges the grand narrative while acknowledging its power. Della Bella also created something of a game where we look deeply within art. I wonder what Jason was actually trying to get across, you know? Art allows us the kind of depth we never actually realized it might have, as an editor, I should know that. Curator: The beauty of it all! These seemingly simple etchings reveal layers of artistic commentary and deeper engagement than a fleeting glance. That’s it. This really changed my thoughts towards a painting that I have come to learn to appreciate and really like.