The Origin of the Milky Way

The Origin of the Milky Way is one of four pieces created by Jacopo Tintoretto for the Holy Roman emperor circa 1577 to 1578. [1] Tintoretto utilizes his signature dramatized style to convey a sense of active dynamism in the mythological story portrayed in this piece. The narrative of this piece is one between Jupiter and his wife. Jupiter, who is known for his marital indiscretions, has fathered a child, Hercules, with a mortal woman. In order to give the child the gift of immortality, Jupiter has secretly brought the child to suckle at Juno’s breast. However, Juno wakes up and, in her shock and anger, pushes away the child and the milk from her breast shoots up to create stars in the sky. [1]

One of the most notable features of this piece is how Tintoretto has created a foreshortened form with the figures of the individuals in this piece. Furthermore, from the figure of Jupiter to that of Juno and the cherubs around them, are organized in a manner that breaks the traditional lateral plane that most individuals are depicted on. By having the figures appear as if they are floating, Tintoretto not only emphasizes the figures by giving them a dynamic sense of movement, but also gives this piece an otherworldly and mystical quality. By utilizing vivid blues in the sky, rich red in the fabric, and a bright yellow for the stars, he bolsters the mystical beauty of this piece. Another important manipulation that Tintoretto made is creating an emphasis on the figure of Juno as the main figure of this piece. In terms of form, he makes her form appear much larger, even larger than that of Jupiter. This draws the viewers to her and establishes her as the main figure of this piece. Furthermore, the figures of all the other individuals in this piece also point towards her, which furthers the notion that she is the central, important figure.

In this piece, Tintoretto uses numerous stylistic elements to remind the viewer of the power and might that Juno controls. He uses form to emphasize her figure, then proceeds to use factors like color and spatial organizations to add to the grandeur of the piece. As a result, it reminds viewers that Juno has the power to create, protect, and give immortality.

[1] Thomas Nichols, “Tintoretto Family [Robusti],” Grove Art Online, (July 2012): 2-3.

• Nichols, Thomas. "Tintoretto Family [Robusti]." Grover Art Online, (July 2012): 2-3. https://doi.org/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.T085169.