Mars from The Gods Who Preside Over the Planet

Art Historical Context

Behold the fierce visage of *Mars from The Gods Who Preside the Planet*, a delicate etching by the enigmatic Master I.B., in 1528. This tiny print, measuring just 3¼ × 1⅞ inches, captures the Roman god of war amid symbols of his dominion: gleaming armor, sturdy shields, lethal weapons, and rams—the zodiacal emblem of Aries, which Mars rules. Produced during the Northern Renaissance, it belongs to a series personifying planetary deities, blending classical mythology with contemporary astrological fascination. Etching, a revolutionary technique popularized in the early 16th century, allowed Master I.B. to etch intricate lines directly into a metal plate with acid, yielding fine details perfect for such intimate formats. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Bequest of Phyllis Massar, 2011), this work exemplifies how prints democratized art, making grand mythological themes accessible beyond elite patrons. In an era of religious upheaval and exploration, *Mars* evokes the era's martial spirit and humanist revival of antiquity, inviting viewers to ponder the cosmos's divine rulers. A gem for print enthusiasts, it reveals the power of small-scale mastery.

About the Artist

Master I.B. (German) · 1525 –1530

German, active 1525–1530