The Enraged Mars Restrained by Cupid

Guercino (a nickname meaning "squinter") was one of the most important exponents of the Italian baroque. A prolific draftsman, his works are known especially for their inventive com positions and energetic lines.

Guercino created many works depicting Mars, the Roman god of war, either alone or with Cupid or Venus. This drawing, full of verve and movement, was made as a study for a painting, now lost, recorded in the artist's inventory after his death. Cupid, emblematic of love, attempts to restrain Mars from his destructive path. As his sword-arm is held back, Mars turns away and pushes forward, his other arm outstretched, fingers splayed and cloak billowing behind. In an engraving by Giacomo Giovannini (1667-1717) of what was presumably the final painting, Mars stands more upright, holding his cloak together with his left arm, while a battle rages in the background. The rapid, spontaneous strokes with which the drawing was executed and numerous small changes in the positions of the figures' limbs heighten the dramatic tension and give the viewer the impression that he is present in the very midst of its creation.