Venus en Mars 1655 - 1700

Jan van Somer made this engraving titled "Venus en Mars," depicting the goddess of love and the god of war, locked in embrace. Notice the sleeping Cupid at their feet, and Mars’ helmet resting nearby, symbols of love's power to disarm even the mightiest warrior. This pairing of Venus and Mars is an ancient motif, recurring across cultures from classical antiquity to the Renaissance and beyond. The juxtaposition represents the reconciliation of opposing forces: harmony arising from discord. Consider Botticelli’s "Venus and Mars," where similar themes of love, beauty, and power are explored. The image speaks to our collective psyche, where love and aggression constantly compete. The enduring appeal of Venus and Mars lies in its ability to tap into our deepest desires and anxieties, reminding us of the eternal dance between chaos and order.