Mars Asleep

The Treaty of Munster signalled the end of the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648) and a complete and final end to Spain’s rule over the Netherlands. Probably around this time, Mars asleep was placed in its political context — and in its current frame. The weapons are chained together. The tools of war, made unusable in this way, relate directly to the sleeping god of war. The panel was extended on either side when it was placed in the actual frame.