Artwork Page for Mars, Minerva, Venus, and Cupid

Details / Information for Mars, Minerva, Venus, and Cupid

Mars, Minerva, Venus, and Cupid

early 1500s

Valerio Belli

(Italian, c. 1468–1546)
Culture
Italy, 16th century
Medium
rock crystal intaglio, gilded from reverse with gold and silver, backed with lapis lazuli, mounted in a gold pendant
Measurements
Overall: 6 cm (2 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2008.147
Public Domain
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Location
117A Italian Renaissance
Print
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Did You Know?

Lapis lazuli, the stone used in this pendant, was first mined in Afghanistan 9000 years ago.

Description

Mars, the god of war, chooses Minerva over Venus, goddesses representing Virtue and Vice. The subject was common in antiquity, although the male figure traditionally represents Hercules. The snake passing from Minerva to Mars lionizes wisdom, perhaps indicating that the patron, who has yet to be identified, connected the idea of a difficult choice to a specific military or political problem.
An oval pendant of gold and rock crystal depicts gold figures against a deep blue background. On the left, a nude Mars reclines. In the center, an armored Minerva stands with a shield and spear. To the right, a draped Venus stands beside a small, winged Cupid. At the bottom, a gold Latin inscription reads "VALERIVS V I F." The scene is framed in gold and topped with a small hanging loop.

Mars, Minerva, Venus, and Cupid

early 1500s

Valerio Belli

(Italian, c. 1468–1546)
Italy, 16th century

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