Six putti playing with the arms of Mars, four holding onto a large lance, one on the left wearing a helmet and a sword belt, holding a shield upright, and one placing a garland of flowers and leaves in a basket at right 1769

Benigno Bossi created this engraving, “Six putti playing with the arms of Mars”, in the late 18th century. During this time, Europe was dominated by powerful empires and military conflicts. Bossi, born in Italy, became the court painter in Stuttgart, Germany, where he created many decorative works for the elite. Here we see a playful reimagining of the Roman god of war, Mars. Instead of a fearsome warrior, his weapons and armor become toys for chubby, winged children, or putti. Four of them struggle to lift his lance, while another wears his helmet, sword belt and shield. One putto places a garland of flowers in a basket, perhaps suggesting the replacement of war with beauty and innocence. This highly decorative work, made for a privileged audience, reflects a longing for peace and a desire to transform symbols of power into emblems of lighthearted joy. Consider how our own symbols of power might look through the eyes of a child.