Latone et les Paysans c. 17th century

Stefano della Bella created this etching, "Latone et les Paysans," sometime in the 17th century. It depicts a scene from Ovid's Metamorphoses, a story of class conflict and divine retribution. Latona, the mother of Apollo and Diana, seeks water for her children, but peasants deny her access and insult her. In response, Latona transforms them into frogs. Della Bella, living in a time of rigid social hierarchies, captures this moment of transformation. Look closely at the emotional tension of the scene. Latona, with her children, stands in stark contrast to the contorted figures in the water, their bodies already undergoing metamorphosis. This piece isn't just about mythology; it's about power, class, and the consequences of disrespecting authority. Della Bella invites us to reflect on the social structures of his time and the timeless themes of justice and revenge.