Mars and Venus

Institution

Royal Collection Trust

Object description:

Venus stands partially draped gazing upwards at Mars, who wears a Roman Centurion style helmet and holds a spear. This magnificent full length sculpture of the Roman Gods ‘Mars and Venus’ was carved from a single marble block. It was commissioned by the Prince Regent for Carlton House in 1815 during Canova's visit to London to see the Elgin Marbles. It represents an allegory of War and Peace after England’s victory over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. It is currently located at one of the ends of the Marble Hall in Buckingham Palace.

Object/Work type:

sculpture (visual works)

Cultural Heritage type:

Visual Works (hierarchy name)

Location:

London - United Kingdom

Object measurements:

208.0 x 137.0 x 65.5 cm (whole object)

Production

Antonio Canova (1757-1822) (sculptor)

Date: 1815-19

Place: Italy; Rome

Material/Technique: Marble

Provenance

George IV, King of the United Kingdom (1762-1830) (Acquirer)

Material/Technique: [None]

Resource

Rights Type:  

Record

Source: Royal Collection Trust