![]() ![]() Athena, as champion of civilization, employs wisdom to defend society from the ravages of war. ![]() But, clearly their approach to warfare is distinctly opposite: Athena is defensive, strategic warfare and Ares represents the bloodthirsty madness of violent war. Homer calls both Ares and Athena “warlike” (πολεμηίος). Rubens himself said his successful diplomacy was “the connecting knot in the chain of all the confederations of Europe.” (Schama, 208) This gift to Charles I was painted while Rubens was in England as an envoy from Philip IV of Spain and clearly articulates the painter’s attitude toward British-Spanish diplomacy. 46.Ī few years ago I wrote this ( AresAthena1.0005_Rubens): Peter Paul Rubens, “Minerva Protects Pax from Mars” (“Peace and War”), 1629, National Gallery, London, inv. Cultivate Minerva and your nation will thrive.The peace-fostering goddess Minerva energetically - even with her bare hands! - drives back the war-mongering Mars and his attendant Bellona. In an imperfect world where violence might crush tender innocence, Rubens provides a powerful allegory for the strength of divine protection. The frightened gaze of the little blonde girl, looking outside the frame to connect with me (the viewer), and her sister’s busied concern make me think of two children who mean everything to me. But the effort being taken to hurry the children into Pax’ presence is touching. The swirling maenads add the musical accompaniment. The figure of Pax (Peace) suckles (half-)man and beast with such abundance that here mere proximity nourishes them. There is plenty in Rubens’ big canvas to distract the eye. Having spent much of my weekend with my beautiful little granddaughters, contemplating the painting this morning takes me by storm. The British National Gallery’s painting of the month for October 2021 is an old favorite of mine, “Minerva Protects Pax from Mars (or, Peace and War)” (1629-1630). ![]()
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