Botticelli's, Venus and Mars.Botticelli painted this in 1483, and the picture depicts Venus and Mars, God of War, lying facing each other in the sacred garden of the Goddess of Love surrounded by myrtle trees. The theme is that the power of love can overcome the physical strength of the warrior. Mars is in a deep sleep and not even the satyrs' mischievous play can awaken him. They are using his weapons and armour to amuse themselves and one even attempts to wake Mars by blowing in his ear through a seashell. Another is wearing Mars' helmet and, with his two companions, attempts to steal away with the warriors lance. The Goddess of Love stares at the sleeping figure of Mars, safe in the knowledge that her own sexual prowess has overcome his taste for war.
Venus
and Mars. c. 1483.
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The picture was painted for the Vespucci family and the name derives from Vespa (Italian for wasp) hence the wasps nest that Botticelli painted just above the head of Mars. In this detail we can see a cheeky and mischievous satyr who has crawled into Mars' breast-plate, the God of War remains undisturbed by the commotion created by the playful satyrs. (Detail) (s) |
Venus
and Mars back to Botticelli.
Italian
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