Callisto hunting with drawn bow, after Parmigianino) 1720 - 1740

This engraving, "Callisto hunting with drawn bow, after Parmigianino," by Antonio Belemo was created between 1720 and 1740. It depicts the mythological figure Callisto, a nymph transformed into a bear, as she hunts with a bow and arrow. The engraving is after a drawing by the Italian Mannerist artist Parmigianino, known for his elongated figures and elegant compositions. The scene, framed by a landscape of trees and water, evokes a sense of nature and the hunt, characteristic of Baroque art. The detailed cross-hatching and the use of light and shadow bring depth and dimensionality to the engraving, showcasing Belemo’s mastery of the medium. The artwork, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the artistic discourse of the 18th century, showcasing the continued fascination with classical mythology and the influence of earlier masters.