A Tale Blazed Through Heaven

This book explores the transformation of the myth of Mars, Venus, and Vulcan from classical origins to its reimagining in Spain's Golden Age, as detailed in A Tale Blazed Through Heaven.

The book A Tale Blazed Through Heaven delves into the evolution of the mythological narrative involving Mars, Venus, and Vulcan, tracing its roots from classical antiquity to its interpretation in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Spain. This work presents a fresh viewpoint on the literary and visual culture of the era, highlighting the interconnectedness of artistic expressions across Europe. Through careful examination, it reveals how the classical tale was transformed and adapted to resonate with contemporary audiences.

In A Tale Blazed Through Heaven, the author meticulously analyzes the representation of this myth within the literature and art of Spain's Golden Age, approximately spanning from 1526 to 1681. The study is structured into five chapters, each focusing on individual primary texts that showcase how poets and painters revitalized the narrative inherited from figures like Homer and Ovid. The book explores various modifications to the story, including how it was disguised, expanded, or even satirized to engage successive generations.

Each chapter provides insights into the specific changes in emphasis and interpretation, shedding light on the intentions of the artists and the broader context of Early Modern Spain's cultural landscape. By discussing works from both renowned poets such as Garcilaso de la Vega and lesser-known writers, as well as examining the mythological paintings of Diego Velázquez, A Tale Blazed Through Heaven addresses critical themes in classical reception during the Renaissance and the dynamic interplay between poetry and painting.