This depiction of the argument between Ajax and Odysseus is a painting by Agostino Masucci, made sometime around 1700. Masucci was an italian painter during the 17th and 18th centuries- the Baroque period, which emphasized dramatic prosing, and contrast between dark and lights. Paintings during this era attempted to invoke emotion or a sense of movement or significance to the depicted scene. This painting follows that dictation with the central figures wearing brightly colored clothes and armor while the rest of the Greeks are shrouded in shadow. The painting closely resembles Ovid’s version of the story, the scene taking place while Ulysses strikes a dramatic pose and is in mid speech to the Greek chieftains with Ajax standing to the side, the elaborate armor of Achilles in the center of the image. There are a few differences though mainly in that the clothing and armor of the Greeks more resembles renaissance era interpretations of classical philosophers, complete with the flowing togas, than actual Ancient Greek armor. In the lower right hand corner you can even see a soldier in full-renaissance era plate mail, which the Greek’s certainly did not have. This was not uncommon for paintings at the time though, in which painter’s valued their own creative vision over the historical accuracy of the work. That being said, the key theme of the scene remains the same as in the story. In the painting Notice how the three Greek chieftains (mainly the one in the center) and Ulysses stand out most clearly from the background. The light shines on the center chieftain and Ulysses’s red toga clearly contrasts him from Ajax in dull green and yellows, similar to the background. Masucci is emphasizing that all attention in the moment is centered around Ulysses and the chieftains, implying that a decision is about to be made. Ulysses is even pointing off to the side, just like in Ovid’s version: “aut sī mihi nōn datis arma, huic date!' et ostendit signum fātāle Minervae.” (Or if you do not give to me the weapons, give to this!” And he showed the deadly mark of Minerva.). Another interesting detail is that Ajax is the only one among the Greeks to have a red-colored plume on his helmet. In Ovid’s version, after committing suicide, Ajax is turned into a purpureum florem, or a purple flower. The latin word for purple though was not uncommonly used to refer to a blood red color not unlike that of Ajax’s plume, so it’s possible that Masucci chose the color as a direct reference to the metamorphoses of the story.