This painting is a depiction of the continuity of life and the passing of generations. In the background there is a panoramic view of the eternal city of Rome. The female nude ascends to the ancestral home in the sky as an idealized young woman – deceased going on to next life in her prime. In the garden inspired by Claude Lorain, French Painter stands the beautiful youth who is the next continuation of the family. In one hand he cratels a dove and in the other is perched an owl symbolizing Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war. so he’s like the balancing force. War and peace. Around him are symbols of fertility with life springing forth.