Artwork
Mars Presiding Over the Arts of War
Mars Presiding Over the Arts of War is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jan Pietersz Saenredam. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Mars Presiding Over the Arts of War is a 1596 engraving on laid paper by Jan Pietersz. Saenredam, a Dutch printmaker and cartographer.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts Mars, the Roman god of war, overseeing scenes of warfare and military strategy, drawing on classical and allegorical themes. Latin text at the bottom alludes to war and victory.
Technique & Style
Saenredam employed fine lines and shading, including cross-hatching, to create depth and three-dimensional figures. The work exemplifies the Northern Mannerist tradition, characterized by its use of classical subject matter.
History & Provenance
The engraving is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Pieterszoon (abbr. Pietersz.) Saenredam (c. 1565 – 6 April 1607) was a Dutch Northern Mannerist painter, printmaker in engraving, and cartographer, and father of the painter of church interiors, Pieter Jansz…
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