Mars en Venus 1772

Louis Marin Bonnet rendered this print of Mars and Venus in the 18th century. Here, we find the god of war and the goddess of love, caught in a moment of repose under a draped canopy. Yet, it’s not only the figures that speak, but also the symbols that surround them. Consider the doves at the foot of the bed. These birds, often associated with Venus, symbolize love, peace, and fidelity. This association stretches back to ancient times, where doves were sacred to Aphrodite, the Greek counterpart of Venus. Now, compare this imagery to earlier depictions, such as Pompeian frescoes, where doves draw Venus’ chariot, or even further back to Mesopotamian art, where doves were linked to Ishtar, a goddess of love and war. The recurring use of the dove suggests a collective memory—an unconscious carrying forward of symbols, each time colored by the cultural and historical context. Such enduring symbols tap into our collective subconscious, evoking a sense of continuity and connection that transcends time. The scene invites us to contemplate the cyclical nature of love and conflict, and how these archetypes resurface throughout history.