Juno, Minerva and Venus with Cupid 1645 - 1680

Toussaint Gelton created this oil on canvas, "Juno, Minerva and Venus with Cupid", in the 17th century. The composition presents a classical myth through soft, diffused forms floating against a serene sky. Gelton uses a subtle palette, focusing on gradations of light and shadow to model the figures and the cloud they rest upon. This imbues the scene with a dreamlike quality. The arrangement of the goddesses invites semiotic interpretation. Venus, holding the golden apple, symbolizes beauty and desire. Minerva, partially turned away, embodies wisdom. Juno represents power. These figures, typically seen in competition, are presented in a harmonious assembly with Cupid, the allegory of love, suggesting the mediation of conflicting values. The emphasis on form, light, and idealized figures reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns about beauty, virtue, and mythological narratives of the period. The interplay between classical subject matter and Gelton's sensitive handling of paint makes this work a captivating study of cultural values and artistic expression.