MARS AND VENUS UNITED BY LOVE

TEXTURE: PRINT

HISTORY: The act of meeting the two lovers takes place in idyllic, peaceful scenery. On the left stands a naked goddess, with her left hand embracing the arrival of Mars, sitting in front of her in armor. The right hand of Venus rests on the breast from which the milk flows out, emphasizing its femininity. On the right side there is a war horse of god of war, tamed by one of the lovers. Its silhouette is based on antique horse monuments. The underlined musculature of the animal expresses his strength, and his inclined head and calm eyes soften his image. The two putti shown are the key to the interpretation of the work. The first taming horse symbolizes the subduction of the love desires of the god of Mars, the control over passions. The second putto, which tied the ribbon around Venus' legs, symbolizes the union of lovers into eternal love and harmony in a time without wars. Milk from the breast of Venus symbolizes the wealth of peace, which is the food for humanity. The artist signed on a stone disc: "PAVLUS VERONENSIS F".