Vulcan Discovering Venus and Mars 

François-Edouard Picot created this drawing, Vulcan Discovering Venus and Mars, using graphite, pen and brown ink, brown wash, heightened with white gouache, on paper. Born in France during the tumult of the late 18th century, Picot navigated the shifting politics and artistic styles of his time, eventually finding acclaim in the academic traditions of painting. Here, in the intimate space of the bedchamber, we witness the moment when Vulcan, the god of fire and metalworking, exposes the adulterous affair between his wife Venus, the goddess of love, and Mars, the god of war. Picot uses light to emphasize the drama, casting a stark glow on the lovers caught in their indiscretion. The narrative is steeped in the gendered dynamics of classical mythology, exploring themes of betrayal, power, and the consequences of desire. It invites us to consider the complex interplay between love, war, and the social structures that govern relationships.