Mars en Venus 1575

pencil drawn

light pencil work

wedding photograph

pencil sketch

old engraving style

charcoal drawing

pencil drawing

pen-ink sketch

limited contrast and shading

pencil work

"Mars en Venus" is a 1575 engraving by an anonymous artist depicting the Roman god Mars and the goddess Venus in a scene filled with amorous detail. The composition is rich with symbolism, portraying a complex and passionate love story through the intertwining of figures, including cupids, other gods and goddesses, and intricate architectural elements. This captivating piece, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the meticulous detail and technical skill of the anonymous engraver, revealing the artistic prowess of the era.