Mythological Playing Cards

Stefano Della Bella

National Gallery of Art

This print shows twelve small scenes arranged in three rows of four. The small scenes are rectangular, and there are stretches of white paper between the rows. Each small, distinct scene illustrates dynamic interactions with people engaged in various activities. Each panel is detailed, focusing on the gestures and expressions of the characters. Some of the scenes include: a battle with people being shot by arrows; a person riding a chariot; three women standing together holding hands; a woman running, her fingers beginning to turn into branches; a man and horses falling from the sky; a person playing the violin outside of a city; people dancing under trees; a person riding a large fish over the water, playing an instrument. The illustrations are in thin, dark lines against a background of off-white paper.