Jupiter 1597 - 1732

This print depicts Jupiter, King of the Gods, a powerful figure in Roman mythology, holding a bundle of lightning bolts and standing alongside his eagle. The lightning bolt is Jupiter’s most potent symbol. We see this motif echoing across cultures, from the thunderbolts of the Greek Zeus to the Norse Thor's hammer, each embodying supreme power. The eagle, often at Jupiter’s side, symbolizes dominion and keen vision, acting as a messenger between the earthly and divine realms. Consider how, in ancient Rome, eagles were released during imperial funerals, believed to carry the emperor's soul to the heavens. Such symbols transcend mere representation, engaging with our collective memory and subconscious. The awe and fear evoked by storms translate into the image of Jupiter, a figure that embodies the power of nature and the cosmos. Remember, these symbols follow a non-linear path through history, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different contexts. The potency of Jupiter’s image lies in its capacity to continuously speak to us across time.