Bust of Jupiter 1526 - 1581

Giulio Bonasone created this "Bust of Jupiter" print on a sheet using an engraving technique. The composition is dominated by the bust of Jupiter, with a striking contrast between the intricate details of his hair and beard and the smooth, idealized forms of his face and torso. The use of line is particularly noteworthy. Bonasone employs dense, parallel lines to create a sense of depth and volume, especially evident in the rendering of Jupiter's flowing locks and muscular physique. This meticulous linear work not only defines the form but also contributes to the texture, giving the print a tactile quality despite its two-dimensionality. In semiotic terms, Jupiter's depiction adheres to classical codes of power and divinity. The engraver challenges fixed meanings by presenting a god both powerful and human through this detailed and intimate portrayal, inviting ongoing interpretations of power, divinity, and humanism.