Oil on canvas, 94cm by 108cm.
This painting of the two most senior Roman gods is one of six paintings which are recorded as having been bought directly from the artist by John, 5th Earl of Exeter (1648-1700) whilst in Venice.
The early years of the Paduan-born Liberi’s life were extremely adventurous, including his capture and subsequent bondage at the hands of Tunisian pirates and a period fighting the Saracens as a mercenary for the Duke of Tuscany.
Once painting became his main focus, he was active mainly in Venice and the Veneto, working extensively for the Doge Francesco Molino, who knighted him in 1662.
He became the first President of the Academy of Painters in Venice.
