Page Summary:
The engraving portrays Mars, the Roman god of war, accompanied by a cherub. The text questions why Mars, known as the father of the Aeneads and connected to Priamea, would take up arms contrary to his prior peaceable engagements. It credits the painting to I. Hondius and the publication to C. de Pas.
Image of Original Page
English Translation of this page:
Mars, father of the Aeneads and husband of Priamea,
Why do you, forgetting the scythe, take up opposite arms?
I. Hondius painted
C. de Pas published
Translation Notes
Aeneads refers to descendants of Aeneas, a hero of Trojan origin in Greco-Roman mythology. 'Priamea' is likely a reference to a mythological or poetic name associated with Mars. 'Oblitus' suggests forgetting or disregarding a previous aspect (such as peace), while 'conjuncte' implies connection or union.