Antique 18th Century French Engraving “Mars Leaving for War” After Rubens by Jean-Jacques Avril, 1778

A striking original late 18th-century French engraving titled “Mars va à la Guerre” (Mars Leaving for War), executed by renowned engraver Jean-Jacques Avril after the celebrated Baroque master Peter Paul Rubens.

Created in 1778, this large copperplate engraving exemplifies the academic tradition of translating Old Master paintings into finely detailed prints for collectors and scholars of the Enlightenment era. The dramatic composition depicts Mars, the Roman god of war, being restrained by Venus and attendant putti — an allegory exploring the tension between love and conflict.

Museum Collections
Impressions of this engraving are held in major institutional collections, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. For reference, a comparable example can be viewed in The Met’s online collection database. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/771410

Details
Artist: Jean-Jacques Avril (after Peter Paul Rubens)
Title: Mars va à la Guerre
Date: 1778
Origin: Paris, France
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Art size: approx. 18 × 24 in
Frame size: approx. 19.5 × 25 in
Period: Late 18th century antique
Condition consistent with age, including minor toning and wear that enhance its authentic antique character.
Shipping: This artwork will be professionally packed with protective materials appropriate for fine art. Fully insured and shipped worldwide with tracking for secure delivery.