Amor bij Venus en Mars 1700 - 1750

Curator: This engraving, "Amor bij Venus en Mars," dating from 1700 to 1750, is an allegorical piece housed right here at the Rijksmuseum. My first impression? There's an unexpected intimacy depicted. Despite the grand allegorical theme and the inclusion of armour, a very tender scene seems to be taking place here. Editor: The hatching work to describe the textures catches the eye instantly, creating a rich visual experience. Given the subject matter—Venus, Mars, Cupid—what sociopolitical narratives were at play then to warrant such intimate attention? Curator: Right, the burin work certainly showcases expertise. Let's unpack those relationships a bit: Venus, the goddess of love and beauty, and Mars, the god of war, are iconic figures, but it’s Cupid who offers a subversive disruption, don't you think? Their illicit affair can symbolize the disruptive power of love, perhaps critiquing martial values through Venus's gentle power. The materiality of this engraving suggests broader cultural access at the time of production. What sort of labor division allowed its fabrication, and which class was the target market? Editor: I wonder if its production involved any challenges regarding the depictions of nudity, given the religious and moral undertones that may have dictated reception, also were there perhaps underlying currents linked to patriarchy, expressed here through Mars being fully clothed and seemingly 'impenetrable' with a rigid stance. What could this imply for women's roles during this era, filtered by art’s symbolic lexicon? Curator: Precisely. The social and economic context of this engraving are paramount. The materials, tools, and the engraver's labour are all fundamental components to consider. Did these artisans identify with their products? Could engravings depicting classical scenes potentially function as luxury goods, mirroring class division? Editor: Moreover, who benefits when an artwork such as this is circulated? Considering matters of access, visual representation and gender and militarism makes a powerful lens to reassess art. Curator: Seeing this engraving through your frame definitely brings forward pressing ideas on power and class; It transforms our simple reading by opening the door for discourse in the making. Editor: Agreed! And together they show just how multidimensional artwork analysis is.