Mars en Venus / Vulcanus in de smidse 1550 - 1570

Editor: So, this is “Mars and Venus / Vulcan at the Forge” by Marco dell’Angolo del Moro, created between 1550 and 1570. It's an engraving at the Rijksmuseum. What I find immediately striking is how the artist paired these contrasting scenes on one plate. What’s your take? Curator: The juxtaposition is indeed the key. Think of these figures not just as individuals, but as potent symbols. On one side, Mars, the god of war, is locked in an embrace with Venus, goddess of love, watched by Cupid. While on the other, her husband Vulcan, god of the forge, toils away. Do you recognize the visual tensions inherent in these oppositions? Editor: Yes, there’s the obvious contrast between love and war, passion and labor. But there’s also something about the male figures: Mars in his armor, Venus in the nude, seems the height of classical heroism, while Vulcan, though muscular, is much rougher, caught in this act of creation. It almost feels like the artist is weighing ideals of beauty and strength. Curator: Precisely! Del Moro's knowledge of mythology reveals his exploration of virtue and vice in love, politics, war, and economics. Consider the traditional attributes in the context of courtly love; Vulcan's tools might reference Mars' implements for destruction, and Cupid underscores themes of trickery and foolishness. Editor: Interesting. So, it is a warning. While love and beauty are alluring, honest labor and craft are perhaps the more virtuous paths? Curator: It could be read that way, or perhaps the image invites viewers to weigh these forces themselves. Del Moro positions each tableau with clear iconography as elements of the allegory, offering clues to interpret a complex dance of power and desire. Do you think his print successfully carries these ideas? Editor: I do, yes! Seeing these iconic figures placed deliberately against each other highlights both their symbolic value, and their human frailty. Thank you! Curator: It has been my pleasure. Thinking through those visual dichotomies lets us see the enduring power of allegorical images.