Mars, Venus, et l'Amour
Medium
figures
Classification
figures
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Accession Number
1896-31-45
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Simone Cantarini's *Mars, Venus, l'Amour*, created around 1640, captures timeless mythological trio: the Roman god of war, Mars; the goddess of love, Venus; Cupid, the mischievous embodiment of desire. This Italian Baroque artist from Pesaro (1612–1648), often called "il Pesarese," drew inspiration from masters like Guido Reni, elegant forms with emotional intensity. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's of figures, the work exemplifies Cantarini's skill in rendering dynamic human figures, likely in a sculptural medium that invites tactile appreciation. In the Baroque era, such myth...