Mars en Venus c. 1636 - 1670

Crispijn van de Passe II created this engraving, titled "Mars and Venus," in the Netherlands, likely in the early 17th century. It depicts the Roman gods of war and love in a moment of intimate embrace, set against the backdrop of opulent domesticity. The image speaks to the cultural values of the time, where classical mythology was used to explore themes of love, power, and human nature. The presence of Mars' armor alongside the lovers suggests a tension between martial duty and personal desire, a common theme in early modern art and literature. The image also speaks to the domesticity of the Dutch upper classes. To fully understand this work, we can consider the context of Dutch printmaking during this period, researching the social status of the artist, and examining the role of mythological imagery in shaping cultural values. Such research is vital to understanding the complex relationship between art, society, and the institutions that support them.