This painting marks the start of an important collaboration between Peter Paul Rubens and Frans Snyders. Also painted right after Rubens returned from Italy, this work reveals the artist´s profound knowledge of classical culture.
According to the philosopher Plutarch, Philopoemen was a strategist and general that fought against Sparta. He visited the city of Megara and because of his humble appearance, the lady of the house confused him with a servant and put him to work. The present scene depicts the moment when the husband realizes the general´s true identity.
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