Venus cajoling Vulcan for Arms for Aeneas

after Sir Anthony Van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 - London 1641). Oil painting on canvas, Venus cajoling Vulcan for Arms for Aeneas, after Sir Anthony van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 - London 1641), late 17th century. A reduced copy of the picture in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. The Vienna picture is first recorded in the collection of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm in 1659. The fact that the present painting shows it without its later addition enhances the possibility that the original was amongst the many pictures acquired by the Archduke in England, taking advantage of the breaking up of collections caused by the Civil War, and that this copy was made whilst it was still in England. Less easy to explain are the variations to the coiffure and drapery of Venus. Kingston Lacy Estate, Dorset (Accredited Museum)