Pallas c. 17th century

This etching by Italian artist Stefano della Bella, created in the 17th century, depicts Pallas, the Roman goddess of wisdom and warfare. The figure is seated, clad in armor, and holding a shield emblazoned with the head of Medusa. In the background, a landscape unfolds with a distant view of a city. The work showcases Della Bella's masterful use of line and shading to create depth and detail. The composition is typical of Italian Baroque etching, which emphasized dramatic gestures and theatrical lighting.