Mars and Venus Surprised by Vulcan

Joachim Wtewael (signed by artist), 1610

Venus, the goddess of love, had an affair with the god of war, Mars. Her husband, the lame blacksmith Vulcan, caught them and exposed the adulterous couple to a gathering of amused gods. Mercury (the flying figure in a red cap) then offered to trade places with Mars. With his rendering of exaggerated musculature and distorted bodies, Wtewael was a leading representative of Dutch Mannerism.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-C-1712
  • Dimensionsheight 18.2 cm x width 13.5 cm
  • Physical characteristicsolieverf op koper

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Mars and Venus Surprised by Vulcan

  • Object type

  • Object number

    SK-C-1712

  • Description

    Het schilderij is gesigneerd en gedateerd (links onder op trede) 'Jo.Wte.wael.fecit / 1610'. Op de achterzijde van de drager een ongeïdentificeerd stempel met de initialen 'WW'.

  • Inscriptions / marks

    date


Creation

  • Creation

    painter: Joachim Wtewael (signed by artist), Utrecht

  • Dating

    1610

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Material and technique

  • Physical description

    olieverf op koper

  • Dimensions

    height 18.2 cm x width 13.5 cm


This work is about

  • Subject


Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    On loan from the Broere Charitable Foundation

  • Copyright


Documentation

    • (waarschijnlijk) Familiearchief van der lely van Oudewater 163, Inventaris van den boedel van Mr Jacob van der Lely 1795-1798, MS, p. 44, 'Een Do verbeeldende Mars en Venus door De Goden betrapt op koper door J. Uytewal hoog 7 breed 5 duimen.'
    • Inzoomer object op zaal, 2013 (Nederlands/English).

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