Sandro Botticelli: "Venus and Mars." The painting shows Venus resting contentedly. Little satyrs honk horns and play about Mars, as he sleeps, unaware.
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Image courtesy of the Trustees, The National Gallery, London.

Venus and Mars

Venus was the goddess of love and beauty. With her exquisite features and pleasant smile she attracted many suitors, gods and mortals alike. She was married to the graceless and lame Vulcan, the god of fire. Her true love was Mars, the god of war. Their child was the beautiful goddess Harmonia.


One day while Venus and Mars lay together they were caught in an invisible but strong net forged by Vulcan, who cried out when the lovers had been ensnared:


"Jupiter and all you immortals! Come quickly and see this intolerable thing, worthy of your laughter. Because I am lame Venus despises me. She loves the cruel Mars because he is agile and handsome. See them both bound together in their adultery, for these cords will keep them so bound until Jupiter returns the gifts I made him in order to obtain this impudent wench who cannot restrain her lust!"


The gods laughed uncontrollably.


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