Juno and Argus
Peter Paul Rubens·1610
Historical Context
Rubens painted Juno and Argus around 1610-11, depicting the mythological episode where Juno receives the eyes of the slain Argus from Mercury to place on her peacock's tail. The subject from Ovid's Metamorphoses allowed Rubens to combine multiple narrative elements and spectacular visual effects in a single composition. The painting demonstrates his characteristic ability to make complex mythological narratives visually clear and emotionally engaging.
Technical Analysis
The composition brings together the regal figure of Juno with the magnificent peacock whose tail provides a dazzling display of color. Rubens' warm palette and the luminous rendering of the peacock feathers create a feast of color and texture.
Look Closer
- ◆Juno discovers the remains of Argus, her faithful servant, after Mercury has killed him — peacock feathers sprout from his scattered eyes
- ◆The peacock, Juno's sacred bird, is adorned with Argus's hundred eyes, transformed into the distinctive eye-spots of its tail feathers
- ◆Mercury sheathes his sword after the deed, his winged helmet identifying him even from behind
- ◆The mythological transformation — eyes becoming feather patterns — is rendered as a visible process, part biological, part magical
Condition & Conservation
This painting depicting the aftermath of Mercury's slaying of Argus dates to 1610. The canvas has been conserved with standard treatments. The peacock's iridescent feathers presented particular challenges for conservation, requiring careful cleaning to preserve the subtle color shifts. The painting has been relined.
