Félicien Rops, Venus Militia, 1880s, Etching

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Etching and drypoint on paper. Hand monogrammed in red pencil. Titled in the plate and in pencil\. The title "Venus … Read more Etching and drypoint on paper. Hand monogrammed in red pencil. Titled in the plate and in pencil\. The title "Venus Militia" draws heavily on classical and literary satire, subverting traditional high art tropes. Militia Amoris (The Warfare of Love): The title playfully turns the classical Roman concept of militia amoris—the idea that love and seduction are a form of warfare—on its head. Instead of a refined, idealized goddess Venus, Rops presents a raw, earthy, and aggressively modern woman. The "De Bois Seigneur" Inscription: The upper margin features an additional handwritten or etched annotation, "De Bois Seigneur", which references the Belgian locality Ophain-Bois-Seigneur-Isaac. This print emphasizes the Decadent movement's love for gritty realism over classical perfection. The frantic line work avoids clean, soft academic shading to deliberately project a sense of psychological tension, raw physical presence, and unrefined passion. Rare, matted and in very good condition. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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