Juno 1696

Hendrick van Beaumont rendered this drawing of Juno in sanguine. Its composition centers on the goddess Juno in contrapposto stance, accompanied by her symbolic peacock. The texture achieved through sanguine creates a soft yet defined form, accentuating the curve of Juno's body, and the plumage of the peacock. Beaumont's skillful use of line and shading brings a sense of depth to the figure. He employs a structural approach to convey the cultural coding of mythology and femininity. Juno, the protector and queen of the gods, is portrayed with classical composure, yet the sensuousness of the rendering adds an earthy element. This fusion complicates Juno's representation, making her simultaneously divine and human. The artwork challenges the static representation of mythological icons by blending classical ideals with a tangible, humanistic quality. This blending invites viewers to engage with Juno not merely as a symbol of power, but also as a complex figure.