Perhaps the most celebrated of Venus' affairs was her relationship with Mars (Ares), the God of war.

The love affair was discovered by Helios, the sun, on  an occasion when they slept too late. Helios told Hephaestus (Vulcan), who was understandably angry. He went to his work and devised clever fastenings that would ensnare and hold the lovers in an unbreakable trap. The painting of TINTORETTO (Set III, Code V0057) show an interesting scene: Hephaestus set the net with Venus lay down in the bed and Mars hide underneath.

At the appropriate time, this net was sprung, and trapped Mars and Venus locked in a very private embrace. But Hephaistus was not yet satisfied with his revenge - he invited the Olympian Gods and Goddesses to view the unfortunate lovers. 

For the sake of modesty, the Goddesses demurred, but the male Gods went and witnessed the sight. Some commented on the beauty of Venus, others remarked that they would eagerly trade places with Mars, and they all laughed.

Hephaestus stood before the other Olympians and demanded his gifts of courtship be returned. Only after Poseidon offered to pay the adulterer’s damages if Mars defaulted would Hephaestus loose the net.

After being freed, Venus went to her sacred precinct in Cyprus where she was bathed by the Graces.

The love of Venus has inspirited many great paintings. Each painting tells a story. Enjoy it!