Mars2.0099_Rubens

Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), "Mars and Rhea Silvia" (ca. 1616/1617); oil on canvas (208 x 272 cm), acquired by Prince Johan Adam Andreas von Liechtenstein, in Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Garden Palace, Princely Collections, acq. GE 122..

Mars advances upon the vestal Rhea Silvia, who has been attending Rome's eternal flame. The result of this union will be the conception and birth of Romulus and Remus, the divinely begotten founders of Rome.

Ovid's Fasti, book 3, opens with the narrative that Rubens here has used as a narrative template.

The image at right is derived from the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein's site and used here in accordance with the Museum's statement of fair use.