Venus Receiving from Vulcan the Arms of Aeneas 1704

Francesco Solimena created this ink drawing, Venus Receiving from Vulcan the Arms of Aeneas, during the Baroque period, a time when artists frequently turned to classical mythology for their subjects. Here, we see the goddess Venus floating in the sky with her son Cupid, while Vulcan, the god of the forge, presents her with arms for her son Aeneas. Mythological depictions like this served not only as entertainment but also as allegories for the patrons of the time, often rulers who sought to legitimize their power through associations with the glory of the ancient world. Note, however, how Solimena gives life to these figures. The intimacy in Venus’s gaze softens what would have been an otherwise propagandistic image. We might consider how Venus, despite her divine status, is also presented as a mother, a role that historically defined women's identities. Solimena asks us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in these stories. It captures a moment of exchange and reflects on the intersections of power, family, and destiny.