Mars steekt zijn zwaard in de vlammen voor een tempel (bovenste deel) 1656

This etching by Francois de Poilly, titled *Mars steekt zijn zwaard in de vlammen voor een tempel (bovenste deel)*, depicts a scene of Mars, the Roman god of war, standing before a temple. Two cherubs hold a banner above the god, with text in Latin, and the entire scene is set against a dramatic backdrop of a cloudy sky with rays of light streaming down. Created in 1656, the print exemplifies the Baroque era's fascination with dramatic lighting and intricate details, showcasing Poilly's mastery of this popular technique. The artwork's depiction of a classical theme and its careful detail make it a compelling example of French Baroque printmaking. This etching, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, measures 527 mm by 642 mm.