Mars 1596

"Mars" (1596) is an engraving by Dutch artist Jan Saenredam (1565-1607), currently housed in the Statens Museum for Kunst in Copenhagen. This black and white print depicts the Roman god of war, Mars, standing triumphant on a pedestal, a sword at his side and a spear in his hand. The scene features several soldiers in the foreground, some kneeling in surrender, while others look on in awe. Above Mars, two astrological symbols, a horse and a scorpion, float in the sky, representing his celestial dominion. The use of strong lines and detailed figures is characteristic of Saenredam's work and speaks to the humanist interest in classical mythology during the Renaissance.