Jupiter and Mars hold the globe above a tripod (Jupiter et Mars soutiennent le globe terrestre au-dessus d'un Trepied)
Etching, part of a series of nine round prints with emblematic subjects of the glory of Henry II, all with dark backgrounds made up of thin, horizontal lines, and with a white exergue on the bottom, likely destined for inscriptions. In this etching, Jupiter, on the left, wearing his crown, holding a trident, and an eagle at his feet, and Mars, on the right, wearing a helmet and cuirasse, his arms at his feet, hold the crescent moon of Henry II, framing a globe and forming a visual representation of the king's motto: "Donec Totum Impleat Orbem." The crescent moon is above a tripod, flanked above by thin, scrolling olive branches, which symbolize peace, and scroll around the globe until they reach the imperial crown, decorated with fleurs de lis, which crowns the entire composition. The crescent moon is only barely touched by Jupiter's hand, while Mars seems to be holding on to it more firmly, possibly suggesting that the use of arms cannot guarantee peace.
Artwork Details
- Title: Jupiter and Mars hold the globe above a tripod (Jupiter et Mars soutiennent le globe terrestre au-dessus d'un Trepied)
- Artist: Etienne Delaune (French, Orléans 1518/19–1583 Strasbourg)
- Date: ca. 1557
- Medium: Etching
- Dimensions: Sheet (trimmed): 1 5/8 × 1 9/16 in. (4.2 × 3.9 cm)
- Classifications: Prints, Ornament & Architecture
- Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1962
- Object Number: 62.600.93
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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