Artwork
Venus at the Forge of Vulcan
Venus at the Forge of Vulcan is a drawing by the Baroque artist Louis Félix de La Rue. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2017.212
- Credit line
- Bequest of Muriel Butkin
About this work
Overview
Venus at the Forge of Vulcan is a drawing depicting a scene from classical mythology.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing illustrates a moment from Virgil's Aeneid, where Venus descends on a cloud to collect a suit of armor forged by Vulcan for her son Aeneas. Putti play with the finished armor, highlighting the scene's narrative.
Technique & Style
The drawing showcases a mythological scene with detailed figures and setting, characteristic of a classical influence.
Context
The scene is rooted in ancient Roman literature, drawing from Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid.
Artist & collection
Artist
Louis Félix de La Rue carved playful 18th-century sculptures of mythical kids and satyrs.
The Sacrifice of Iphigenia
Bacchanal Before a Herm
The Baptism of Christ
Echo and Narcissus
Sea-nymphs playing with tritons and a man; on the left a semi-draped giant, holding a book or stone, seated on a rock; possibly Polyphemus with Acis and Galatea
The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence
Prophet and Sybil
Aurora and Cephalus
The Harpies Attacking Aeneas and His Companions
Landscape with a Satyr Family and Classical Sculpture
Zeus and Hera
Venus and Vulcan