This subject was treated by Rubens in two memorable compositions, the first in the National Gallery, London, generally dated c1629-1630, and in a more simplified composition in the Alte Pinakothek, Munich. Here the artist has reduced the Rubensian ideal, removing most of the other figures favoured by Rubens. Minerva, centre, is given her traditional owl and Mars’ shield is dramatically decorated with the head of Medusa. The painting is very close in style to Rubens, especially his late work in the second half of the 1630s.

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