Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto dividing the universe, from "Division of the Universe" 1531 - 1576

Giulio Bonasone etched "Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto dividing the universe" in the mid-16th century, capturing a pivotal moment from classical mythology. At the heart of the scene, the three brothers—Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto—stand poised over an urn, drawing lots to determine their realms. The gesture of pointing is central; it directs our attention to the divine act of apportionment. This motif of division and gesture resonates across epochs. Consider the many depictions of the three Marys at Christ's tomb, where similar gestures of pointing towards the heavens underscore the interplay between divine will and human agency. In Bonasone’s etching, this interplay is heightened by the allegorical figures above, underscoring the cosmic weight of the brothers’ decision. The drawing of lots, a seemingly random act, is rife with psychological tension. It mirrors our own anxieties about fate and the unknown, tapping into a collective unease about control and destiny. This emblem of allocation resurfaces throughout art history, continuously reflecting humanity's quest to understand its place in the cosmos.