lassified into three periods, his early work, his mature phase and his late mature style. The early style was characterized by “firm, regular volumes, strong colors that function largely in terms of contrasts, and conventionalized figures” (Bio 1). Veronese combined the High Renaissance style with elements of the Mannerist style. His perspectives are from a worm’s-eye view and he often imitates Michelangelo in his use of foreshortened figures in contorted positions. His more mature style used more varied hues and contrasts that resembled the style of Verona more than Venice. The works typically have a steep perspective and display the artist’s love for and fascination with architecture. The late mature works, the period wherein the artists painted Mars and Venus, demonstrate quieter, more stately compositions with even more luminous displays of color and light.
Beholding the 81 x 63 3/8 inch work demonstrates a great deal of elements typical to the Veronese’s style (Hibbard 286). The painting has the steep perspective as our view of it is lower than the horizon if it were extended out at us. Representative of the artist’s late mature style, the figures are classical and ceremonious in tone. Mars sits in the center of the painting and the tones of his robe, armor and skin are somber in tone with a sheen of light contrast and motion used to dazzling effect on his fabric robe. Venus represents the love of this war god, and she is in extreme value contrasts to the warrior as she is done in all white and light tones. Mars thrusting a black garment across her private parts divides her body in a symbolic way and the white and black draw a sharp value contrast. There is a fragment of architecture visible behind the pair about three levels in depth. It is a pillar in the form of a god and behind it are trees and sky which further serve to add depth to the perspective as well as motion. However, all the colors and t...