Artwork

Venus at the Forge of Vulcan

Venus at the Forge of Vulcan, by French 18th Century, ink, 1701
Venus at the Forge of Vulcan, by French 18th Century, ink, 1701

Venus at the Forge of Vulcan is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist French 18th Century. It dates from 1701 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Venus at the Forge of Vulcan is a drawing executed in pen and brown ink with brown wash and touches of white gouache. It depicts a scene from mythology.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing shows Venus, likely the central figure, surrounded by others in a workshop. The scene represents a moment from mythological narrative where Venus visits Vulcan's forge.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by its use of pen and brown ink, complemented by brown wash and touches of white gouache, a technique that adds depth and highlights to the composition.

Context

The drawing illustrates a mythological theme, specifically the encounter between Venus and Vulcan in his forge, a subject rooted in classical mythology.

Artist & collection

Portrait of French 18th Century

Artist

French 18th Century

This artist worked in late 18th-century France, making portrait paintings and etched prints.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.