On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01668
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- The Birth of the Milky Way
- Chronology
- Ca. 1637
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 181 cm x 244 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Hercules was born from one of
Jupiter's affairs with a mortal.
Though loved and protected by his
father, he was repudiated by the
latter's wife, Juno. In order to
insure his son's immortality,
Jupiter placed him in the goddess's
arms so that he could suckle while
she was sleeping next to her
chariot pulled by peacocks. When,
in his enthusiasm, Hercules bites
her, Juno awakens and brusquely
pulls him away from her. The milk
spilling out of her breast turned
into the Milky Way. On the left,
Jupiter looks on. He is identified
by his eagle and lightening
bolts.
Rubens based this painting for the
Torre de la Parada —a small royal
palace near Madrid— on a work by
Titian (Ca. 1485 - 1576), though
the goddess's face is that of his
wife, Hélène Fourment.
Location on the map
