Venus en Mars 1655 - 1700

janvansomer

pencil drawn

light pencil work

pencil sketch

charcoal drawing

charcoal art

portrait reference

pencil drawing

limited contrast and shading

portrait drawing

pencil work

"Venus en Mars" is an etching by Jan van Somer, created between 1655 and 1700. The artwork depicts the Roman goddess Venus and the god Mars, with the winged Cupid lying defeated in the foreground. The composition is a classic example of the Baroque style, with dramatic use of light and shadow and an emphasis on the human form. The image is suggestive of the relationship between the two gods, a coupling associated with love, lust and war.