I should not base it[1] on the estimate of Rome but leave it to the discretion of His Highness [the Duke of Mantua]......though the figures [of the altar-piece Rubens recently made c, 1607] but withdraw it for the light in the church was to strong there] are saints, they have no special attributes or insignia that could not be applied to any other saints of similar rank.

In his letter to Count Annibale Chieppio (minister of the Duke of Mantua), February 2, 1608; as quoted in Rembrandts Eyes', by w:Simon Schrama, Alfred A. Knopf, Borzoi Books, New York 1999, p. 131 (LPPR, 42) - Quotes of Rubens, 1605 - 1625