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ATTRIBUTED TO JOHANN ROTTENHAMMER THE ELDER (1565-1625)

Venus, Mars and Vulcan

1604-05

RCIN 402726

Venus was married to Vulcan but had an affair with Mars – a romantic subject popular in art. The cuckolded Vulcan set a trap for the couple, using an invisible net to catch them making love. He then invited his fellow gods to witness the ensnared pair. Mercury, insensitive to Vulcan’s feelings, remarked ‘Oh, for the same opportunity!

First recorded in the Royal Collection during the reign of George III


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