Venus and Mars Embracing with Vulcan at his Forge
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Accession Number
1972.34.5
Art Historical Context
In the National Gallery of Art's collection, *Venus and Mars Embracing with at his Forge* (1543) is a engraving on laid paper by Eneaico, faithfully reproducing a design by the Mannerist master Parmigianino (Francesco Mazzola). Created during the height of the Renaissance, this draws from classical mythology, depicting the illicit lovers Venus and Mars entwined in passion, overlooked by the blacksmith god Vulcan at his anvil—a scene inspired by ancient tales like those in Ovid's *Metamorphoses*. Parmigianino's elegant, figures and graceful poses exemplify Mannerism's departure from High Renais...