The Forges of Vulcan, from Book of Cartouches 1735 - 1775

"The Forges of Vulcan" is an etching created by Johann Georg Hertel between 1735 and 1775. The print depicts the Roman god Vulcan, seated at the center, with a group of men working at a forge. Above, a group of angels ascend to the heavens, representing the divine inspiration for Vulcan’s craft. This artwork, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is an example of the Baroque style, utilizing dramatic lighting and dynamic poses to convey the power and strength of the scene.