Jupiter en Juno c. 1641

Jacques Belly etched "Jupiter en Juno," now at the Rijksmuseum, capturing a tender moment between the king and queen of the gods. The eagle and peacock are the key symbols through which we understand the divine status of the subjects. But consider, the eagle, traditionally associated with Jupiter, is a symbol of power. It reappears throughout history—from Roman standards to modern national emblems—evoking authority and imperial might. Yet, its presence here, subdued at Jupiter’s feet, suggests a domestication of power through love, a theme echoed in countless works across epochs. Similarly, Juno's peacock is a symbol of beauty and pride. These symbols tap into our collective consciousness, stirring primal emotions linked to power and beauty. They are constantly evolving and being reinterpreted. They create layers of meaning that speak to the enduring human fascination with the divine.