Bouguereau painted La Guerre in 1864, two years before leaving Durand-Ruel for Goupil. In this work the artist returns to a mythological source for inspiration. The depiction of children had always fascinated Bouguereau, and the story of the Feast of Venus, as recounted by both Ovid and Philostratus the Elder, provided him with a narrative in what was considered appropriate subject matter. According to these Greek sources, the Feast of Venus featured putti seen either as playfully shooting arrows, dancing, flying or wrestling, all childishly celebrating the rites of love. The golden apple, realistically rendered in the painting, was an attribute of both the putti and of Venus.

Bouguereau's study of ancient statuary is evident in the frieze-like composition of La Guerre. His reputation as a superb colorist and draftsman was firmly established by the mid-1860s through hours spent sketching a foot, a hand, or a flower in an effort to achieve verisimilitude in his work. La Guerre successfully conveys the effect of photography by capturing a fleeting moment. The struggle between the two figures is therefore palpable, as one can sense the pain, yet determination, of each putto.

A copy of this picture by DeScott Evans is owned by the Allen Memorial Art Gallery, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio.