The Origin of the Milky Way is a painting by the Italian Renaissance master Jacopo Tintoretto, in the National Gallery, London, formerly in the Orleans Collection. The painting is considered one of Tintoretto’s most successful paintings in the Venetian style. It is an oil painting on canvas, and dates from ca. 1575–1580. It is unknown why the bottom third of the painting was cut off, but we do know that it was cut around 1727. The painting holds many symbolic references to the gods and goddesses depicted and the story itself. The painting is further known for its vivid colors that are layered and textured and for keep eyes on the complex details of the pieces. The myth depicted in the painting is of a Roman mythological story about how the Milky Way was formed. Every part of the painting is meant to further explain the myth by putting imagery that relates to each god/goddess in the myth, i.e. Juno and Jupiter. Other elements further tell the story, such as the putti and the objects they are holding. The painting is an example of the Mannerist style that gained popularity in the late Renaissance. The dynamic, elegant poses and the repeating curves seen throughout the painting are characteristic of the Mannerist style. Throughout the years, the painting has sustained a variety of damages, some due to age and others due to poor care. Although the painting has been documented to be in the possession of Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor, there have been some examinations of the painting that lead art historians to think that the painting had a patron before Rudolf II.
History
Patron
While the National Gallery was restoring the painting in 1972, they did an X-ray on the piece and determined that there was an original painting that was carefully painted over. The original painting was of the same scene, but the style was rapidly done and had a firm determination to it. This style of painting wasn't typical of what Tintoretto was doing in his other paintings. Since there is an original painting under the current one, it alludes to the painting perhaps switching patrons before it was completed. This revelation led art historians to theorize that the patron of this painting may have changed during its creation. It is thought that the painting was originally commissioned by Tommaso Rangone, a physician and academic in Venice. Rangone commissioned many well-known works from Tintoretto and likely commissioned The Origin of the Milky Way as well. As an astrologist and a physician, Rangone had an interest in the night sky and flowers and was often depicted with the two. With this in mind, The Origin of the Milky Way has imagery that fits with Rangone’s interests. Rangone’s whole career revolved around longevity which would align with the myth of The Origin of the Milky Way where Jupiter tried to make Hercules immortal by drinking Juno’s breast milk. A similar image that is seen in the painting is further engraved on a personal medal that Rangone had cast in 1562. There were documents showing receipts that proved that Rangone commissioned and paid for a series of paintings from Tintoretto to paint. The purpose of these paintings listed on the receipts was to honor the life of St. Mark for the Scuola Grande di San Marco in Venice. Although The Origin of the Milky Way wasn't specifically listed on the receipt, the painting does fall in line with his tastes. Perhaps the first “rapid” version of the painting was meant for Rangone. However, the doctor ended up dying in 1577 leading to the painting switching patrons to a new buyer, Emperor Rudolf II. The patron who certainly had possession of this painting was the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II of Prague. Like Rangone, Rudolf II too had an interest in astronomy, alchemy, and immortality. Many people during the Renaissance found an interest in alchemy and Rudolf II was no exception. The main reason that Rudolf II took an interest in alchemy was in the hope of finding the "philosopher's stone," a stone that can change metal to gold and grant the person in possession of it immortality. The Origin of the Milky Way is a painting that touches circles on the theme of immortality which aligns with Rudolf II's interests. Another factor that shows why Rudolf II took an interest in this painting is because the Habsburg family had a tradition of modeling themselves after Hercules to be a just and protective ruler. Rudolf II also ended up modeling himself after the Roman hero and even showed himself wearing a lion skin and holding a club, both iconic items that are associated with Hercules. Although he had trouble following this model during his time on the throne, he still pursued his interest in being a patron and collector of fine art. Both the subject matter and the erotic attributes of The Origin of the Milky Way suited Rudolf II's tastes, even though he refused to marry he still found visual enjoyment in erotic imagery. It is likely that Rudolf II's official “antiquary” advisor, Mantuan Ottavio Strada, purchased four fable paintings from Tintoretto each depicting the legend of Hercules. Although the painting isn't specifically named in the Emperor's collection, there is a pamphlet written in 1648 that mentioned a painting by Tintoretto titled Jupiter Holding a Little Bacchus to Juno's Breast. It is assumed that the writer mistook Hercules for Bacchus, but this still implies that the painting was likely hung in Prague Castle.
… excerpt ends here. Continue reading the full article.
