The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1748: The Son of Venus and Mars Presented to the Temple of Minerva
1748
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1748
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Dominant colour
The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1748: The Son of Venus and Mars Presented to the Temple of Minerva is a 1748 ink by Louis-Joseph Le Lorrain, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This print shows a grand stage set with a temple at the center, surrounded by clouds and flying figures. People in classical robes stand below, while angels and winged beings float above. A bird lies dead on the ground near a broken column, and a few figures seem to be carrying a draped figure toward the temple. The title hints this scene is about a mythological birth—Venus and Mars’s son being presented to Minerva. The mix of drama and classical dress fits the Baroque style’s love for movement and emotion. Look up etching to see how artists like Le Lorrain made prints with needles and acid.
