Mars and Venus (recto and verso) 1648 - 1679

"Mars and Venus" (recto and verso), a red chalk drawing by Guillaume Courtois, depicts a battle scene with Mars, the Roman god of war, and Venus, the goddess of love. Courtois was a renowned painter and draftsman, known for his dynamic battle scenes, and this drawing exemplifies his mastery of capturing movement and detail. The drawing, now in the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases Courtois's talent for conveying the chaotic energy of a battle through bold strokes and expressive lines.