Narcisse

Art Historical Context

Visitors to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department will delight in *Narcisse* (1644), a finely wrought etching by the masterful Italian artist Stefano della Bella, with contributions from Jean Desmarets de Saint-Sorlin, Henri Le Gras, and the patronage of Louis XIV and Cardinal Jules Mazarin. This first-state impression (state i) captures a mythological scene teeming with men, women, dogs, and trees, evoking the timeless tale of Narcissus—likely gazing entranced at his reflection amid lush natural elements. Della Bella's Baroque style shines through in his intricate line work, blending dynamic figures with atmospheric landscapes, a hallmark of his time in France. Created during the early years of Louis XIV's reign under Mazarin's regency, the print reflects the opulent cultural milieu of mid-17th-century Paris, where printmaking flourished as a collaborative art form. Etching allowed Della Bella to achieve remarkable detail and tonal depth with acid-bitten plates, making complex compositions like this accessible beyond oil paintings. The involvement of poets, publishers, and royalty underscores its prestige, possibly as a dedicatory work blending literature and visual splendor. Generously gifted by Robert Hartshorne in 1918, *Narcisse* exemplifies the technical innovation of period prints, inviting us to ponder themes of beauty, vanity, and nature's allure—perfect for contemplating in the Met's vast collection.

About the Artist

Stefano della Bella|Jean Desmarets de Saint-Sorlin|Henri Le Gras|Louis XIV, King of France|Cardinal Jules Mazarin · 1610–1664

Stefano della Bella (1610-1664) was one of the most prolific and versatile printmakers of the Italian Baroque period, leaving behind 1,052 prints and several thousand drawings that captured the vivid essence of 17th-century European life. Born in Florence on May 18, 1610, to a family of artists, he trained initially as a goldsmith before studying painting under Cesare Dandini and etching under Rem...