“The Forge of Love” is one of the most charming of Genevan automaton watches made in the early 19th century. Venus’ son Cupid and his companions are working at a forge-perhaps that of Venus’ husband Vulcan-to create their love arrows. Cupid (Eros)was the son of Venus. He was her constant companion; and with his bow and arrow, shot darts of love and desire into the bosoms of both gods and men. Even Venus became a victim of Cupid. One day, while playing with her son, Venus was accidentally wounded by one of his arrows. She thought nothing of it, but the wound was deeper than it appeared, and before it had fully healed she saw Adonis and fell in love with him. Completely smitten, Venus absented herself even from heaven, for Adonis was dearer to her than anything. She, who used to love to recline in the shade, with no care but to cultivate her charms, now followed Adonis everywhere, rambling through the woods and over the hills, dressed in a huntress’ garb. Such was the power of the arrows forged in the Forge of Love.