Mars en Venus c. 1636 - 1670

"Mars en Venus" is an etching by Crispijn van de Passe (II), created between 1636 and 1670. The artwork depicts the Roman god Mars and the goddess Venus, lying together on a bed. It highlights the contrasting nature of the couple: the fierce Mars, depicted as a warrior in the background, and the alluring Venus, embracing a more relaxed pose. The scene is further enriched by the presence of putti, playful cherubs who symbolize love and desire. The etching's detailed lines and meticulous rendering of light and shadow create a striking visual narrative, reflecting the artistic trends of the Dutch Golden Age. This artwork is housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.