Grotesk ornament met de godin Juno in het midden 1624 - 1679

This ornamental engraving featuring the goddess Juno was created by an anonymous artist. The composition strikes us with its complex symmetry and intricate detail, typical of grotesque design. The central figure of Juno is framed within a delicate architectural structure, flanked by hybrid figures and elaborate motifs. The composition is divided into distinct registers, each filled with dense patterns and symbolic elements. Notice the contrast between the classical figure of Juno and the fantastic, often monstrous, creatures that surround her. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension, destabilizing any straightforward reading of the image. The artist plays with the concept of order and chaos, inviting us to decode the underlying structures and meanings embedded within this elaborate design. The interplay of form and content raises questions about the nature of beauty, the relationship between the classical and the grotesque, and the power of ornament to both conceal and reveal deeper truths.