Jacopo Tintoretto – The Origin of the Milky Way Part 4 National Gallery UK
Part 4 National Gallery UK – Jacopo Tintoretto - The Origin of the Milky Way
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We see an artistic reading of the myth. Jupiter longed for his son to be immortal. The child was born to him by an ordinary woman. In order for the infant to live forever, it had to be pressed to the lush bosom of the goddess Juno herself. Her miraculous milk was to grant immortality. Juno was taken by surprise and involuntarily recoiled. The milk suddenly splashed all about. The result was the famous Milky Way. The composition of this canvas is incredibly reverent.
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Description of Tintoretto’s painting The Origin of the Milky Way
We see an artistic reading of the myth. Jupiter longed for his son to be immortal. The child was born to him by an ordinary woman. In order for the infant to live forever, it had to be pressed to the lush bosom of the goddess Juno herself. Her miraculous milk was to grant immortality. Juno was taken by surprise and involuntarily recoiled. The milk suddenly splashed all about. The result was the famous Milky Way.
The composition of this canvas is incredibly reverent. It is based on the striking contrast between the maid that Jupiter has sent to Juno and the goddess. The maid intrudes from somewhere outside the space of this painting. Juno’s lush body is painted with special love. It impresses with its forms and delicate skin color.
The flight of the maid is sharp, while the movements of the goddess are incredibly soft. Such a contrast is capable of enchanting anyone.
At the bottom, Tintoretto depicts marvelous angels. They are holding various symbols that demonstrate love. One of these lovely creatures is holding a net. This is most likely a special symbol of deception, which Jupiter unwittingly resorts to in order to make his son immortal. The eagle soaring in the background has always symbolized power. The peacocks on the right are also depicted for a reason. They were the constant companions of Hera. The goddess’s carriage was propelled by these magnificent birds.
The riot of colors is impressive. The artist masterfully portrays the color of the skin. It is so natural that the characters seem alive. The bright spot is the maid’s attire and the luxurious fabrics on which Juno is reclining. Tintoretto enjoys the lush colors. It is as if his entire painting is imbued with sunshine. The mythological heroes become as alive as possible. There is a sense of dynamism in this creation. It seems that a moment more, and all the characters will miraculously come to life.
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This male figure, muscular and draped in flowing robes of blue and pink, reaches down with an outstretched hand, scattering luminous particles that rise into the sky like a cascade of stars. His posture conveys both power and a sense of benevolent action. The interaction between these two figures is central to the scenes narrative; it suggests a moment of creation or transformation.
Surrounding them are numerous smaller figures – putti – engaged in various activities. Some appear to be scattering flowers, others hold symbolic objects like an eagle and a peacock, while still others seem to be observing the main event with expressions of awe and wonder. The presence of these minor characters contributes to the overall sense of spectacle and reinforces the divine nature of the central action.
The color palette is rich and vibrant, dominated by warm tones of gold, red, and brown contrasted against the cool blues of the sky and the male figure’s garments. Light plays a crucial role in defining form and creating atmosphere; it illuminates the reclining womans body while casting dramatic shadows across the cloud formations.
Beyond the literal depiction of figures and objects, the painting seems to explore themes of divine origin, cosmic creation, and the interplay between earthly beauty and celestial power. The scattering of stars suggests a generative act, potentially linked to mythology or religious allegory. The inclusion of the eagle and peacock – animals often associated with royalty and divinity – further elevates the scene’s symbolic weight. The overall effect is one of grandeur and mystery, inviting contemplation on the origins of the universe and humanitys place within it.