The authorship, subject and chronology of the painting have been the subject of controversy in the past, and it is now believed that the composition was made by Rembrandt and a pupil, a practice in line with the master’s teaching methodology.

The warrior figure, very young in appearance, holds a spear in her right hand, while in the left she bears a shield decorated with Medusa’s head and her characteristic serpents. This feature and the owl that sits atop the helmet are both attributes of the goddess Athena.

Recently, the theory that the painting may have been part of a classical trilogy of goddesses created by Rembrandt, including Venus, Juno and this representation of Pallas Athena, has gained support. The set is said to have belonged to the art dealer Herman Becker (c. 1617–1678), who was possibly behind the commission. This canvas was cut at the left margin and at the top, which allows us to conclude that the shield would be almost entirely visible in its original form, conferring greater visual impact.