Juno, Zeus and Aeolus n.d.

Pietro da Cortona made this drawing, Juno, Zeus, and Aeolus, using pen and brown ink, and brown wash, over black chalk. Drawn in Italy, the image reflects the cultural obsession with classical mythology during the Baroque era. But it does more than retell a familiar story. It also reflects the social hierarchies of the time. Notice Zeus, king of the gods, towering over the scene, a symbol of absolute power. Juno's plea to unleash the winds, embodies the human desire to control uncontrollable forces. As art historians, we examine the social and political context in which these mythological narratives were produced. By studying court records, literature, and other visual sources, we can unravel the complex web of meaning embedded within these seemingly straightforward depictions. This drawing reveals the power dynamics and cultural values of 17th-century Italy.