Un Petit Amour à Mi-corps c. 17th century

Stefano della Bella created this etching, "Un Petit Amour à Mi-corps," likely in the mid-17th century, a period marked by aristocratic patronage and the flourishing of printmaking as a means of disseminating imagery. During this era, the motif of Cupid, or Amor, often symbolized not just romantic love, but also dynastic power and courtly virtue. Della Bella, working in Florence and Paris, navigated these complex social currents, creating works that reflected the tastes and ideals of his elite clientele. Here, Cupid is rendered as a half-figure, encircled in an oval frame. The softness of the etching gives Cupid a cherubic affect, while also emphasizing his bow and arrow, emblems of desire and destiny. Cupid, the classical god of love, with his disruptive and chaotic power, often reminds us that love, in all its forms, intertwines with vulnerability and the potential for emotional upheaval. Della Bella’s Cupid is no exception; he is a reminder of the delicate balance between control and surrender that love demands.