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Mars, Minerva, Venus, and Cupid
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Mars, the god of war, chooses Minerva over Venus, goddesses representing Virtue and Vice. The subject was common in antiquity, although the male figure traditionally represents Hercules. The snake passing from Minerva to Mars lionizes wisdom, perhaps indicating that the patron, who has yet to be identified, connected the idea of a difficult choice to a specific military or political problem.
| Artist / Maker | Valerio Belli |
|---|---|
| Date | early 1500s |
| Culture / Origin | Italy |
| Medium | rock crystal intaglio, gilded from reverse with gold and silver, backed with lapis lazuli, mounted in a gold pendant |
| Dimensions | Overall: 6 cm (2 3/8 in.) |
| Department | European Painting and Sculpture |
| Type | Sculpture |
About the Artist
Valerio Belli (Italian, c. 1468–1546) Full biography →
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.
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