Luna en Mars 1731 - 1775

Jakob Wangner created this image, "Luna en Mars," likely during the mid-18th century, using etching. The piece depicts Luna, the divine embodiment of the moon, juxtaposed with Mars, the god of war. These contrasting figures reflect a societal tension, a kind of dance between feminine and masculine ideals during the Enlightenment. The goddess Luna, serene and adorned with symbols of nature and the night, is a traditional representation of femininity. Yet, it's intriguing to consider what it meant to pair this figure alongside Mars, whose own image includes weapons and martial symbols. How do these symbols of power relate to gender during this period? This artwork invites us to reflect on how binaries shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us, while also contemplating the personal interpretations and emotional connections we form with these representations.