Portrait of Annabella, Lady Blake as Juno Receiving the Cestus from Venus Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792)

The composition presents a figure standing in profile, facing towards the right, with another figure hovering above her. The foreground is dominated by the standing woman, draped in flowing robes of muted pink and blue-green hues. Her hair is elaborately styled, pulled back from her face and adorned with what appears to be a ribbon or band. She extends her hand toward the upper figure, seemingly receiving an object.
The hovering figure, positioned against a cloudy, indistinct background, is lighter in tone and appears to float on a cloud formation. This individual is depicted as a classical female form, likely representing a deity given the presence of a laurel wreath upon her head and the overall aesthetic. She offers a small pouch or bag – a cestus – to the woman below. A white dove rests near her outstretched hand.
At the lower left corner, a peacock stands on a dark branch, its plumage partially visible. The bird’s inclusion is significant; peacocks were frequently associated with Juno in classical mythology, reinforcing the narrative suggested by the scene.
The artist employed a dramatic chiaroscuro effect, utilizing strong contrasts between light and shadow to highlight key elements of the composition. The womans face and upper body are illuminated, drawing attention to her gesture of acceptance. The background is rendered in soft, diffused tones, creating an ethereal atmosphere that emphasizes the divine nature of the hovering figure.
Subtextually, the painting seems to allude to themes of power, authority, and feminine grace. The act of receiving the cestus – a symbol often associated with Juno’s dominion over marriage and women – suggests a bestowal of influence or status upon the woman depicted. Her posture is dignified, yet receptive, implying an acceptance of this bestowed role. The peacock serves as a visual cue to the mythological context, further enriching the narrative possibilities. The overall impression is one of elevated social standing and perhaps a deliberate invocation of classical ideals regarding female virtue and power.