Juno, Ceres, and Psyche n.d.

"Juno, Ceres, and Psyche" is a drawing by Marco Dente (1515-1527) housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. The work depicts three female figures in the style of High Renaissance, with emphasis on classical beauty and grace. The figures are identified by their attributes: Juno, the queen of the gods, is seated on a peacock, while Ceres, the goddess of agriculture, holds a sheaf of wheat, and Psyche, the goddess of the soul, is nude and draped with flowing fabric. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates volume and depth to the figures. This drawing is a prime example of Dente's mastery of line and his ability to capture the essence of classical mythology.