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Cupid with Weapons of Mars

ca. 1547–62
Not on view
The union between Venus, goddess of love, and Mars, god of war, was often understood as emblematic of love's power to calm the aggressive spirit. In 'De rerum natura' (On the Nature of Things, 1.29–40) of 55 B.C., Lucretius called on Venus to seduce Mars and bring peace to the Romans. Scultori's image suggests that she has done so. While his parents are occupied, Cupid carries off the heavy shield and sword of Mars, ensuring love's victory over war.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Cupid with Weapons of Mars
  • Artist: Adamo (Ghisi) Scultori (Italian, Mantua ca. 1530–1587 Rome)
  • Date: ca. 1547–62
  • Medium: Engraving; first state
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 5 3/4 x 4 7/16 in. (14.6 x 11.3 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1949
  • Object Number: 49.97.479
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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Woman Seated with a Child and a Dish (no.51), from Series of Studies from the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
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Man Seated with a Staff and a Child (no. 65), from Series of Studies from the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
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Old Man Seated with a Child (no. 54), from Series of Studies from the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
Adamo (Ghisi) Scultori
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Old Man in Hood, Seated, Facing Right (no. 41), from Series of Studies from the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel
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