Plate 3: Jupiter emerging from a niche, riding an eagle and holding a thunderbolt in his left hand, from "Mythological Gods and Goddesses"

Art Historical Context

Behold Plate 3 from the series *Mythological and Goddesses* (1526), a engraving depicting Jupiter, the Roman king of the gods, dramatically emerging from a shadowed niche. astride his loyal eagle while clutching a thunderbolt in his left hand This powerful image captures the deity in a moment of divine authority, with swirling clouds and muscular form emphasizing his celestial might. Created by engraver Giovanni Jacopo Car after a design by the Mannerist painter Rosso Fiorentino, this print exemplifies early 16th-century Italian innovation. Rosso's bold, elongated figures and dramatic compositions broke from classical harmony, heralding Mannerism's expressive style amid Rome's vibrant artistic scene. Caraglio's precise engraving technique—incising lines into a copper plate for inked impressions—allowed such intricate details to reach a wider audience beyond elite patrons, revolutionizing print dissemination during the Renaissance. Measuring just 8¼ × 4⅜ inches, this rarity from The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection highlights mythology's enduring allure in art. Jupiter's eagle and thunderbolt symbols evoke ancient Roman power, bridging classical lore with Renaissance revival, inviting visitors to ponder the gods' timeless drama.

About the Artist

Giovanni Jacopo Caraglio|Rosso Fiorentino · 1500–1565

Italian, Parma or Verona ca. 1500/1505–1565 Krakow (?)