Mars, Venus, and Cupid with Vulcan at his forge (the Mantuan Roundel), parcel-gilt bronze (ca. 1500). Attributed to Gian Marco Cavalli. The scene depicts Venus and Mars sharing a rapt gaze while Vulcan, her husband, labors at his forge to create armor for the war god. [3795 x 4000]

    by Saint-Veronicas-Veil

    2 Comments

    1. Saint-Veronicas-Veil on

      “Golden-winged Venus, goddess of love, raptly gazes at Mars, while her husband Vulcan fabricates the war god’s helmet. Standing on her lap, her son Cupid points love’s arrow toward Mars and scowls at Vulcan who has left unfinished the infant god’s small wings, without which he cannot hit his mark. The Latin inscription admonishes them: Venus Mars and Love rejoice. Vulcan, you labor! This magnificent bronze relief, attributed to the goldsmith-sculptor Gian Marco Cavalli, was produced within the refined culture of the Northern Italian Gonzaga court in Mantua, in which such antiquarian inventions were highly prized.” From [The MET](https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/854846)

    2. No-Option-7010 on

      That is gorgeous detailing.
      Edited to add the Met is one of my favorite museums that I’ve had the opportunity to visit

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