Venus Triumphant over Mars, after antiquity c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have "Venus Triumphant over Mars, after antiquity," made by the Pichler family. It’s so small! What can you tell me about this tiny piece? Curator: Consider the labor involved. The Pichler family were known for gem engraving. How does the act of meticulously carving something so small, replicating a scene of power, impact its meaning and value? Editor: I guess it moves the power dynamic from the gods to the craftspeople. Curator: Exactly! And what does it say about consumption and status when someone owns such a meticulously crafted object? Editor: It recontextualizes Venus's triumph as a symbol of earthly wealth and refined taste. Thanks! Curator: Precisely, it shows the intersection of material, labor, and social hierarchy.