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'The Origin of the Milky Way', about 1575
by Tintoretto
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The probable source for the subject was the Byzantine botanical text-book, 'Geoponica'.
Jupiter was the most powerful of the Greek mythological gods and ruled Mount Olympus. He was the god of the skies and the weather, and used thunderbolts to strike down his enemies.
Wishing to immortalise his infant son Hercules (born from his adulterous relationship with the mortal Alcmene), Jupiter held him to the breasts of the sleeping Juno - his wife and chief goddess on Olympus. The milk which spurted upwards formed the Milky Way, while some fell downwards and became lilies.
Lilies were once present at the base of the painting, until a part of the original canvas was cut off.
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Photo © The National Gallery, London
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