Vulcan Capturing Mars and Venus

c. 1553/1555

Guglielmo della Porta

Associated Names
Guglielmo della Porta

Artist, Lombard, 1500/1510 - 1577

The sculpture is a bas-relief of multiple human figures engaged in various activities in an outdoor setting. The figures are mostly nude and the scene includes trees and architectural elements resembling classical design such as columns. The material appears to be metallic, likely bronze, with a lustrous appearance and various gradations of brown and metallic sheen. The sculpture is flat at the back and projects outwards, creating a three-dimensional effect. The composition is detailed and captures movement and interactions among the figures in a complex narrative scene.

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    bronze relief

  • Credit Line

    Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund

  • Dimensions

    overall (octagonal): 14 x 14 cm (5 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1987.9.2


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Private collection; acquired 1985 by (Paul Rosenberg & Co., New York); purchased 6 February 1987 by NGA.

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q63860874

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