Saturn devouring a Son. Peter Paul Rubens, 1636-1638 Portrayed as an old man in accordance with prevailing iconographic precepts, Saturn clasps his scythe while leaning over and devouring a boy, whose anguished gaze and desperate struggle heighten the drama. The stars above recall Saturn's association with the sixth planet, and the presence of two smaller stars suggests Rubens might have known of Galileo's 1610 discovery. Saturn, the ancient Italic god of agriculture, was also identified with Cronos, who devoured his children to prevent them from seizing his throne. His wife Rhea tricked him by giving him a rock instead of their son Zeus, who later defeated Saturn. Rubens’ painting, part of a series from 1636-1637 for Philip IV's Torre de la Parada hunting lodge, exemplifies his mature style with dynamic forms, bold brushstrokes, and a masterful play of light and shade, reflecting the technical prowess visible in corrections around Saturn's right arm and left heel. Credit: Museo del Prado