Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610)

In this painting, Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto are depicted, representing the rulers of the sky, sea, and underworld, respectively.
At the top, Jupiter is shown descending from the heavens, carried by an eagle, a symbol associated with him. He is depicted with powerful musculature and flowing white drapery, suggesting divinity and dominion.
Central to the composition is a large, pale sphere, likely representing the globe of the Earth or a celestial body, suspended between the celestial and terrestrial realms. Its ethereal quality and prominent placement suggest its significance in the divine order.
Below, Neptune, the sea god, is presented prominently on the left, holding his trident and accompanied by a dog, a common attribute. His muscular physique and commanding pose convey his authority over the oceans.
Next to Neptune sits Pluto, the king of the underworld. He is depicted with a darker, more somber demeanor, and he holds a mythical beast, perhaps Cerberus, his three-headed dog, or another creature symbolizing his realm. The figure on the far right, semi-hidden and with a reptilian or grotesque head, is often interpreted as Charon, the ferryman of the dead, or another chthonic entity associated with Plutos domain.
The painting, with its dramatic composition and allegorical figures, likely explores themes of divine power, cosmic order, and the stratification of the universe into distinct realms. The juxtaposition of the gods and their symbolic attributes signifies their respective domains and influence over the mortal world and beyond. The subtext highlights the hierarchy of the gods and their control over different aspects of existence, from the heavens to the depths of the underworld.