Venus, Mars and Cupid

Marcantonio Raimondi studied works by both Andrea Mantegna and Albrecht Dürer, blending them into a unified style that became highly influential in the emerging print publishing industry. Created while he was working under goldsmith Francesco Francia, this engraving depicts Mars, the Roman god of war; Venus, the goddess of love; and Cupid, the god of desire. The dark, bold outlines resemble engravings by Mantegna’s followers, but the fine hatching on the figures shows familiarity with prints by Dürer and Lucas van Leyden. Marcantonio’s mature technique would become a “how-to” for engravers tackling complex compositions.

A vertically oriented black ink engraving on gray-white paper depicts Mars, Venus, and Cupid, all with light skin tones. At the left, a muscular, nude Mars sits, pointing upward while touching Venus's shoulder. Standing center, a nude Venus holds a tall, flaming torch. To the right, a winged Cupid holds a bow. In the foreground lie armor and a shield with a face. A tree and distant castle occupy the landscape.

Venus, Mars and Cupid

1508

Marcantonio Raimondi

(Italian, 1470/82–1527/34)

Italy

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