Mars and Venus in the Bath 1770 - 1790

Giovanni David created this engraving, "Mars and Venus in the Bath," during the late 18th century, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval in Europe. This print reproduces a fresco by Giulio Romano in the Palazzo del Te in Mantua. David’s print offers an insight into the cultural fascination with classical antiquity during the Neoclassical era. The depiction of Mars, the god of war, and Venus, the goddess of love, engages with classical mythology and its ideals of beauty and heroism. The image invites us to consider the role of mythological subjects in shaping cultural values and artistic expression during this period. The Palazzo del Te itself, commissioned by Federico II Gonzaga, speaks to the intersection of art and politics, where artwork served to legitimise power. By studying archival materials, contemporary critical reviews, and the patronage networks of the time, we can gain a deeper understanding of this artwork's historical and cultural significance.