Juno places the Eyes of Argo in the Tail of a Peacock Francesco de Mura (1696-1782)

The composition presents a scene steeped in mythological narrative, dominated by figures arranged on a cloud-like platform. Two central female figures, draped in elaborate robes of orange and blue respectively, command immediate attention. The woman on the left holds a slender instrument – likely symbolic of her agency or power – while gesturing towards the figure at her side. Her expression is one of focused intent, almost severity. The second woman, positioned slightly forward, appears to be engaged in an action involving a peacock; she seems to be carefully placing something within its tail feathers.
Below them, a male figure lies prostrate, his body angled dramatically towards the viewer. He wears a blue garment and exhibits an expression of distress or submission. A group of sheep surrounds him, adding a pastoral element that contrasts with the elevated status of the women above. To the right, a small child holds what appears to be a sheaf of wheat, further reinforcing this rural motif.
In the upper left corner, a celestial grouping of putti (cherubic figures) floats amidst swirling clouds and light. Their presence suggests divine observation or endorsement of the events unfolding below. The background is largely obscured by dense foliage, creating a sense of depth and isolating the central action within a contained space.
The subtexts embedded in this work are complex. The act of placing something into the peacock’s tail – a detail that demands close scrutiny – likely carries symbolic weight. Peacocks were frequently associated with Juno (Hera), representing vigilance, pride, and divine authority. The gesture could signify an act of marking or imbuing the creature with a specific quality or purpose.
The prostrate male figure’s posture suggests vulnerability and perhaps servitude. His placement beneath the women reinforces a hierarchical dynamic, hinting at power imbalances within the narrative. The inclusion of sheep introduces themes of pastoral life, innocence, and potentially sacrifice. The putti in the sky reinforce the divine nature of the scene, suggesting that these events are orchestrated or sanctioned by higher powers.
Overall, the painting conveys a sense of deliberate action, divine intervention, and underlying tension between power, vulnerability, and symbolic representation. The artist has skillfully employed color, composition, and mythological iconography to create a visually arresting and narratively rich tableau.