|
The subject of this composition is taken from Virgil's Aeneid (8.370-453). Vulcan - the god of fire and metalworking - engages in discourse with his wife Venus as he and his workers create what will become arms that she will later give to her mortal son Aeneas. At Venus's side is Cupid, who clings to her for protection amidst the fire and cacophony of sound.
Giordano envisaged this story on other occasions, though more often choosing to illustrate the story as told in Ovid's Metamorphosis. In that telling Venus commits adultery with Mars, following which Vulcan discovers his wife's transgressions and ultimately catches her with a fine gold woven net.
The painting is signed on the rock lower centre: .LG. (in ligature).
| 
