Salmacis and Hermaphrodite, from 'Game of Mythology' (Jeu de la Mythologie) 1644

Stefano della Bella’s etching "Salmacis and Hermaphrodite" from the "Game of Mythology" (Jeu de la Mythologie) series depicts the Greek myth of Salmacis, a nymph who falls in love with the beautiful Hermaphrodite. The nymph’s embrace, which was meant to trap Hermaphrodite in a permanent, shared body, is shown in the image. This etching is a fine example of della Bella's delicate, detailed style and his ability to tell a narrative within a small space. He was a prolific draftsman and etcher who worked in Florence, and his works are often characterized by a sense of grace and elegance. The etching is currently part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in New York.