Mars Desarme Par Venus

"Mars DEsarme Par Venus", Macret, 19th-20th century

As an engraved reproduction of a Paulo Veronese painting from 16th century Venice, this French print represents an early example of the popular commodification of gender norms in Western society. Intended for sale alongside the publicly viewed Orleans Collection at the Palais-Royale in Paris, this is an 18th century popular culture object depicting gender and sexual norms; specifically a chivalric knight seduced by a promiscuous and beautiful woman. It presages future forms of sexual socialization through imagery that our society grapples with constantly everyday.