22. Marie de Medici as Bellona 1625

Peter Paul Rubens painted 'Marie de Medici as Bellona' using oil on canvas as part of a series of paintings commissioned to depict the life of Marie de Medici. Rubens, a leading Baroque artist, situates Marie within a mythological context, portraying her as Bellona, the Roman goddess of war. This representation underscores the power dynamics of the era, particularly the roles ascribed to women in positions of authority. While referencing classical ideals, the sensuality and opulence of the Baroque style add layers to the narrative. Marie’s semi-nudity and confident pose invite questions about the performance of gender and power. The discarded armor at her feet can be interpreted as a commentary on her political strategies. It is intriguing to consider how Marie de Medici, as a woman in a male-dominated world, navigated and manipulated these representations.