Venus and Mars 1604

Hans Rottenhammer's "Venus and Mars," painted in 1604, depicts the Roman god of war, Mars, embracing the goddess of love, Venus, while Cupid, the god of desire, binds Mars's leg with the goddess's sash. The painting, now located in the Rijksmuseum, is a prime example of the Mannerist style, characterized by elongated figures and vibrant colors. Rottenhammer was a prominent figure in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, known for his depictions of mythological subjects and his masterful use of light and shadow.