Mars and Venus Surprised

Mars and Venus Surprised

Hendrik Goltzius

1615

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

In the image, a man and woman are depicted in a room, with the woman lying on a couch and the man standing beside her. The man is holding a sword and shield, while the woman is covering her face with her hand. The room is decorated with curtains and a canopy, and there are several objects scattered around, including a helmet, a spear, and a vase. The engraving is done in a detailed and intricate style, with cross-hatching used to create texture and depth. The overall effect is one of drama and tension, as if the scene is about to unfold. This engraving is an example of the Baroque movement.

More by Hendrik Goltzius

Artifact World Gallery — 100,000 artworks Get the app