Allegory of Marriage and Love; Juno in a chariot drawn by peacocks at right,Venus in a chariot drawn by three doves at the left 1535 - 1545

This allegory of marriage and love, created by an anonymous artist, presents us with a fascinating array of symbols. We see Juno, goddess of marriage, in a chariot drawn by peacocks, and Venus, goddess of love, in one drawn by doves. These animals are not mere decoration; they are carriers of meaning. The peacock has long been associated with Juno and marital wealth, but its symbolism stretches back to ancient Greece, where it was linked with immortality due to the belief that its flesh did not decay. Doves, on the other hand, have consistently been associated with Venus, embodying love and fidelity. The allegorical figures and their animal consorts are not static representations but are instead dynamic symbols, constantly shifting and adapting through cultural memory. Note how the cherub above links to the classical Cupid. This image is not just an aesthetic creation but a powerful emotional tableau engaging us on a subconscious level.