Hyman, Juno and Venus 1561

Painted by Paolo Veronese, this fresco presents an assembly of mythological figures set against a turbulent sky, creating a dynamic interplay between the earthly and celestial realms. Veronese masterfully uses colour to delineate forms and guide the eye. Notice how the vibrant reds and blues contrast with the figures’ pale skin, enhancing their three-dimensionality. The composition, arranged on a diagonal axis, further animates the scene, drawing us into the unfolding narrative. The figures are theatrical, each caught in expressive gestures that hint at their roles and relationships. The work disrupts the traditional Renaissance perspective by presenting an aerial viewpoint. This shift creates a sense of instability, suggesting a world in flux. The fresco is an invitation to continually question and reinterpret the work, and to dismantle fixed categories and meanings.