This is a really gorgeous painting by Jacopo Tintoretto depicting the "Origin of the Milky Way, 1575-1580." Jupiter (Zeus) seeks to give immortality to his son, Hercules, conceived during an illicit affair with a mortal woman Alcmene. He knows that only the breast milk of a goddess can accomplish such a thing and as luck would have it Juno (Hera) is lactating. Jupiter discovers Juno sleeping and attempts to latch the baby to her breast — thinking she might not notice (really? ) When she wakes and pulls her breast away from the feeding infant, her milk sprays into the heavens and produces the stars. (Click on the image to see a larger version)
Here is a wonderful and incredibly informative little podcast about The Origin of the Milky Way from Karen Allen of the National Gallery in England exploring the wealth of creation myths alluded to in the painting (including the origin of lillies) and lovely details about Tintoretto's artistic storytelling. It's fabulous.
If those old goddesses would only wear clothes, these curious accidents would not happen! XD
haha..true enough. But I rather like the voluptuousness of the goddess paired with breastfeeding. Rising from her fabulous bed, perfectly coiffed — I remember the experience as rising from my rumpled bed, looking sleep deprived and weary. And probably wearing one of my husband’s old t-shirts. Still, the bliss was real.
oh my, love those milky stars!