Juno c. 1701

Jacob Toorenvliet rendered this drawing of Juno, the Roman goddess, in pen and brown ink, with a grey wash. Juno, queen of the gods, was often associated with marriage and motherhood. Here, she is depicted with her attribute animal, the peacock, a symbol of beauty and vigilance. The depiction of Juno and other goddesses from the classical pantheon were a trope for male artists in this period, and often used to represent the idealized female form. But this image presents an alternative narrative. By capturing Juno in a moment of repose, Toorenvliet invites us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of female identity beyond the conventional roles prescribed by society. There is something quite vulnerable in her expression. The drawing reminds us that even mythological figures are imbued with complexities. It prompts us to delve deeper into the narratives we construct around gender, identity, and power.