Mars and Venus United by Love
| Support Type: | Canvas |
| Paint Type: | Oil Paint |
| Current Location: | The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, United States. |
| Location History: | The painting was originally part of the collection of Emperor Rudolf II in Prague. After his death in 1612, it remained in the imperial Habsburg collection, passing through the hands of Emperors Matthias, Ferdinand II, and Ferdinand III. In 1648, during the Swedish capture of Prague, it was seized as war booty and entered the celebrated collection of Queen Christina of Sweden, who later took it with her to Rome after abdicating. Following Christina's death, the painting passed through the collections of Cardinal Decio Azzolino and Prince Livio Odescalchi before being acquired in 1721 by Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, becoming part of the renowned Orléans Collection in Paris. When that collection was dispersed during the French Revolution, the work passed through several prominent British collectors, including the Dukes of Bridgewater and Sutherland, before entering the collection of Lord Wimborne in the 19th century. It was later acquired by the London art dealer Asher Wertheimer and was eventually purchased by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it is housed today. |
This oil painting on canvas - Mars and Venus united by love is masterpiece by the Italian Renaissance artist Paolo Caliari, popular as Paolo Veronese. Painted during the sixteenth century, this piece features characteristics of Late Renaissance and initial Mannerism. Known for producing grandiose and large pieces, Veronese had beautifully depicted this Roman mythological story on a large canvas. Set in a beautiful garden, this scene presents us with the sight of Mars and Venus hugging each other. Mars, the god of War is dressed in his mighty armor while Venus, the goddess of love is in all her nude glory as her garments are discarded over the wall. She has adorned herself with delicate jewellery as Mars covers her nether region with a blue garment. The bottom depicts a cherub tying a knot around Venus and Mars's legs representing eternal unity and harmony. In the background, we see another cherub seemingly taming Mars's battle horse with his sword - representing the taming of all violent passions of the god of War. Milk flows from one of Venus's breasts which she gently caresses with her right hand representing peace, nourishment, and wealth in the absence of war. This scene beautifully depicts the harmony and peace prevailing upon one's life after the abandonment of violent pursuits. The artist has used techniques like chiaroscuro, grizaille, and impasto to highlight light and shadows, bringing luminescence, and texture in the composition. The Venetian technique of Colorito - an emphasis on colors and fluid brushwork is responsible for the gradual and smooth transitions between colors. Veronese through this painting had demonstrated his exceptional prowess at brush and color handling as well as impactful storytelling.