Juno asks Aeolus to raise a storm against the Trojan fleet, set within an elaborate frame, from "Loves, Rages and Jealousies of Juno"

Art Historical Context

This exquisite engraving by Giulio Bonasone, an Italian artist active from 1531 to 1576, captures a dramatic moment from classical mythology: Juno, the queen of the gods, imploring Aeolus, god of the winds, to a storm against the Trojan fleet. Titled *Juno asks Aeolus raise a storm against the fleet, set within an elaborate frame*, it forms part of Bonasone's series *Loves, Rages and Jealousies of Juno*, which explores the goddess's turbulent emotions drawn from Virgil's *Aeneid*. Created during the Renaissance, when renewed interest in antiquity fueled artistic innovation, the print reflects the era's fascination with epic narratives and divine intrigue. Bonasone, a master engraver from Bologna, excelled in reproductive prints that echoed the grandeur of High Renaissance masters like Raphael. Here, the intricate engraving technique—using a burin to incise fine lines into a metal plate—allows for remarkable detail within the compact sheet (5 5/16 x 4 1/8 in.). The elaborate frame enhances its ornamental appeal, making it a coveted collector's item for Renaissance connoisseurs. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, this work highlights engraving's role in democratizing art, disseminating mythological tales to a wider audience beyond paintings. Juno's portrayal underscores her complex character—fierce protector and vengeful wife—resonating with themes of power and jealousy that captivated 16th-century viewers. A testament to Bonasone's technical prowess, it invites us to ponder the stormy passions of the gods.

About the Artist

Giulio Bonasone · 1500–1600

Comment on works: History; Mythology