Beeld van Juno en de pauw c. 1657 - 1658

Moses ter Borch created this drawing of Juno and the peacock in grey and brown ink. At first glance, the monochromatic tones give the drawing a subdued yet powerful presence. The scale is intimate, but the composition is heroic. Ter Borch masterfully uses line and shadow to define Juno’s form, her body gracefully positioned with a subtle contrapposto stance. The peacock, a symbol of Juno, is rendered with meticulous detail, its form contrasting against the goddess. The texture created by the ink washes adds depth and volume, enhancing the sculpture-like quality of the figures. The subtle gradations in tone capture the light as it drapes over Juno’s body. The drawing’s formal elements reflect a larger interest in classical ideals during the Dutch Golden Age, where artists often looked to antiquity for inspiration. Juno’s pose echoes classical sculptures, while the peacock symbolizes vanity and immortality. Ter Borch’s work invites viewers to engage with complex cultural codes. It challenges us to decode the symbols and reflect on the shifting meanings of classical motifs in a new era.