Mars, Minerva, Venus, and Cupid

early 1500s
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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.
Mars, Minerva, Venus, and Cupid

Mars, Minerva, Venus, and Cupid

early 1500s

Valerio Belli

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

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