Venus at the Forge of Vulcan c. 18th century

This is an anonymous drawing depicting "Venus at the Forge of Vulcan" made with pen and brown ink and wash on laid paper. The story of Venus and Vulcan speaks volumes about gender roles and social expectations prevalent during its time, particularly in Europe. The Roman myth shows Venus, the goddess of love, unhappily married to Vulcan, the god of the forge. The scene often depicts Venus seeking solace or new lovers, challenging the marital norms and expectations of fidelity. The visual codes here might represent social anxieties around marriage and the perceived roles of men and women. The cherubs in the scene might signify the trivialization of marital bonds in the face of love or desire. Without knowing the exact date or country of origin, we can only speculate on the specific social and cultural context. But further research into the artwork’s provenance might reveal fascinating insights into how the institution of marriage was perceived and challenged through art.