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

Stefano della Bella created this print of Saturn as part of his 'Game of Mythology' in the 17th century, a period marked by both the flourishing of the arts and stark social hierarchies. In this tiny image, we see Saturn, the god of time, in a rather grim act: devouring one of his children. The image speaks to themes of power, succession, and fear that resonated deeply in a society where lineage and authority were paramount. Della Bella, an Italian artist who traveled extensively, would have been acutely aware of the anxieties surrounding inheritance and legacy in the royal courts and aristocratic circles he frequented. Saturn's act, though brutal, can be seen as a metaphor for the relentless passage of time, consuming all that comes into being. This piece doesn't just illustrate a myth; it reflects the societal pressures and power dynamics of its time, inviting us to consider the emotional weight of legacy, the terror of being consumed, and the lengths to which those in power will go to maintain their status.