Athena seated near Juno who has taken away Cupid's arrows, set within an elaborate frame, from "Loves, Rages and Jealousies of Juno" 1531 - 1576

Giulio Bonasone created this engraving, "Athena seated near Juno who has taken away Cupid's arrows," in sixteenth-century Italy. This print, part of a series called "Loves, Rages and Jealousies of Juno," presents a fascinating glimpse into the social and cultural values of the time. The image depicts Juno disarming Cupid, with Athena as a witness. The story reflects the patriarchal structures of Renaissance society, where the power of women, even goddesses, is often depicted as being in conflict. Juno's actions, driven by jealousy and rage, can be seen as a commentary on the perceived dangers of female emotion when unchecked. The elaborate frame of the image, decorated with cherubs and grotesque masks, underscores the importance of mythological narratives in shaping cultural identity. Examining such artworks through a social historical lens allows us to understand how these images perpetuated and challenged the norms of their time. By consulting period texts, such as emblem books, and studying the patronage of the arts, we gain insights into the complex interplay between artistic production and the social world.