Jupiter et Danäe c. 17th century

"Jupiter et Danäe" is an etching by Stefano della Bella, an Italian artist working in the 17th century. The etching, created in the early 1600s, depicts the mythological scene of Zeus, the king of the gods, disguised as a shower of gold, descending upon Danaë, who is confined in a tower by her father Acrisius. The small size of this piece is typical of della Bella's work and highlights his mastery of line and detail. The etching is a testament to della Bella's skilled use of light and shadow to render the scene with remarkable realism. His work, influenced by the Baroque style, is notable for its dynamic composition and dramatic effects. The etching is part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection.