Venus en Mars door Apollo verrast 1690 - 1727

Jeremias van Schaak created this drawing, "Venus en Mars door Apollo verrast," which translates to "Venus and Mars Surprised by Apollo," using pen and brown ink with brush in gray around the time when the Dutch Republic was a major artistic center. Here, Venus is depicted in repose, nearly nude, with Mars, the god of war. Apollo looms above, disrupting this intimate moment. In the context of its time, this piece reflects the societal gaze on female beauty and vulnerability, contrasted with male dominance and intervention. Consider how this artwork plays into historical narratives of power and gender. Does it challenge or reinforce them? It invites us to reflect on the intimate and public dimensions of these figures, set against the backdrop of celestial judgment.