The episode represented in this painting is based on the eighth book of Virgil's Aeneid. The goddess Venus offers the arms forged by her husband Vulcan to Aeneas, her son by the mortal Anchises, King of Dardanus. The scene refers to the mythical origins of Rome, whose future triumphs were carved in Aeneas' shield. Following Virgil, Giaquinto locates the encounter between Aeneas and his mother under an oak tree, while Vulcan's forge is seen on the left. The graceful composition and the modelling of the figures are characteristic of Giaquinto's combination of classicising forms and Rococo style.
- TitleVenus presenting arms to Aeneas
- Object numberB.M.568
- Collection
- Creator
- Production placeItaly
- Production period18th century
- School/styleItalian
- Object name
- Material
- Technique
- Dimensions
- Length: 153 cm
- Width: 114.9 cm
- Length: Frame 176 cm
- Width: Frame 138 cm
- Depth: Frame 7 cm