Hebe with Jupiter in the Guise of an Eagle 1820 - 1826

Gustav-Adolphe Diez painted “Hebe with Jupiter in the Guise of an Eagle” in the early 19th century. The painting depicts Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth, and Jupiter, king of the gods, in the form of an eagle, and it reflects the enduring influence of classical mythology on European art and culture. Diez here relies on established visual codes and cultural references. The eagle is a symbol of power and divinity, associating Jupiter with imperial authority and the divine right of kings. The institution of the monarchy was very much at stake in the early 1800s. France had overthrown the monarchy and Germany was undergoing political transformation following the Napoleonic wars. Perhaps this painting is a conservative defense of that institution. Art historians turn to literary sources, political documents, and social histories to fully understand these works. By situating “Hebe with Jupiter in the Guise of an Eagle” within its specific historical context, we can better understand its cultural significance and enduring appeal.