Jupiter, from Planets, plate 2 1530 - 1570

Giulio Bonasone created this engraving, “Jupiter, from Planets, plate 2,” around the mid-16th century. Look closely at how Bonasone uses dense, hatched lines to bring Jupiter to life. Notice the composition: Jupiter stands confidently, balanced by his helmet and beard, with a scepter grounding him and an eagle, his symbol, nestled nearby. The stark contrast of light and shadow sculpts the figure, giving him a weighty, classical presence. Bonasone’s work invites us to consider the role of classical mythology, its revival during the Renaissance, and how these figures were re-imagined through printmaking. The engraving’s strength lies in its ability to harness minimal means—simple lines and tonal variations—to suggest power and divinity. The composition not only captures the likeness of a god but also speaks to the larger cultural and philosophical currents of the time. It reminds us that art is always a conversation between the past and the present, between form and meaning.