Jupiter, Io en Juno c. 1537 - 1555

Cornelis Bos rendered this print, “Jupiter, Io en Juno,” likely around the mid-16th century. It presents us with a scene rich in classical mythology, immediately drawing our eye to the transformation of Io. The scene depicts Jupiter’s amorous encounter with Io, whom he has transformed into a heifer to conceal her from his wife, Juno. Juno, the vigilant goddess of marriage, floats above on a cloud accompanied by her symbolic peacock. This transformation of human into animal has roots in ancient Egyptian traditions, such as gods with animal heads. In this particular scene, it highlights the themes of deception and metamorphosis central to the narrative. The watchful gaze of Juno, coupled with the desperate embrace of Jupiter and Io, evokes a complex interplay of power, desire, and the inevitable unveiling of hidden truths. It is a potent reminder of how these primal dramas continue to resonate within our collective psyche, echoing through art across millennia.