Jupiter, Io en Juno 1670 - 1672

This etching by Gerard de Lairesse depicts a scene from classical mythology, showing Jupiter, Juno, and Io. Jupiter, to the lower left, has transformed Io into a heifer to hide her from his wife, Juno. Note the peacock, Juno’s attribute, a symbol of her vigilance and power. This motif echoes across centuries, appearing in Roman mosaics and Renaissance tapestries, each time subtly shifting in meaning. The peacock, initially a symbol of immortality, later became associated with vanity and pride. The transformation of Io into a heifer is a poignant symbol of metamorphosis, a recurring theme in art. Such transformations, be they physical or emotional, engage us on a subconscious level, tapping into primal fears of loss and change. Like a dream, this image evokes an emotional response that transcends language, and becomes a powerful force that resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings.