A 17th century painting of Mars and Rhea Silvia by Peter Paul Rubens
Here, the Alban princess and Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia tends the sacred fire as Mars, god of war, descends upon her. She will, by the god, conceive the twins Romulus and Remus. There are many depictions of this famous legend (including a number of them in this Gallery), but this bold and colorful painting is probably the best known. This story is the subject of my novel Rhea Silvia, Book One in The First Vestals of Rome trilogy.