Venus Receiving from Vulcan the Arms of Aeneas 1704

"Venus Receiving from Vulcan the Arms of Aeneas" is a drawing executed in 1704 by the Italian Baroque painter Francesco Solimena. The drawing depicts the Roman goddess Venus, who is reclining on a cloud and receiving a shield from Vulcan, the god of fire, in the presence of Cupid, the god of love. The scene is set in a dramatic, highly theatrical manner, typical of Solimena's artistic style, and is likely a preparatory study for a larger painting. This drawing is a testament to Solimena's mastery of figure drawing and his ability to convey the emotional intensity of a mythological narrative.