Batoni, Pompeo Girolamo. Peace and War. Art Institute
of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
In
the painting Mars, the Roman God of War, is detained from his destructive
course by an angelic beauty. This woman is possibly Pax, the Roman Goddess of
Peace. Her pure white tunic which is exposing her bare chest contrasts with
Mar’s armor and blood-red cape. Though Mars has both hands preoccupied with a
shield and the other with a sword the beautiful woman offers him an olive
branch, and gently places her hand on the sword. Her peaceful touch has ceased
the Roman God of War even if only for a moment.
The powerful painting illustrates the theme of peace in the
midst of war literally with the angelic woman in between Mars’ shield and
sword. Her ability to restrain him with just a simple touch intensifies her
mesmerizing essence. It is almost as if Mars cannot break away from her eyes
and is captivated by her whole being.
The power of peace conquers war and destruction without the use of armor,
swords or a shield.
