The Origin of the Milky Way

The Origin of the Milky Way depicts the mythological episode that, in the Roman account, explains how the pale band of the night sky was formed. Jupiter holds the infant Hercules to the breast of Juno, who is asleep or absent, and the spilled milk becomes the Milky Way. Around them appear Eros, eagles, peacocks, a flash of lightning and several putti holding objects tied to each deity. Every element helps tell the story: the attributes of the gods, the childlike figures and the gestures of the characters together make a symbolic reading of the myth rather than a simple scene.

The composition is typical of Mannerism. The poses are dynamic and elegant, curves recur across the surface, and the colours are layered and textured, inviting the viewer to look slowly at the details. Tintoretto painted it around 1575–1580 within the Venetian school, and it is often considered one of his most successful works in that style.

Its origins are debated. X-ray examination carried out during the National Gallery's restoration in 1972 revealed an earlier, more rapidly painted version beneath the current surface, which suggests the commission may have changed hands during execution. It is thought that the first patron was Tommaso Rangone, a Venetian physician and scholar whose interests in the night sky and longevity fit the myth, since Jupiter attempts to make Hercules immortal. Rangone died in 1577, and the painting probably passed to Rudolf II of Habsburg, whose enthusiasm for astronomy, alchemy and immortality also connects with its theme. An Italian pamphlet of 1648 mentions a Tintoretto painting showing Jupiter and Bacchus at Juno's breast, though scholars assume the writer confused Bacchus with Hercules.

The work has also suffered visible damage. A third of the lower canvas was cut off at an uncertain date, and the side edges are frayed from tension on the stretcher. Horizontal creases with cracked paint also survive, probably from folding the canvas for transport while the paint was still fresh.

The painting passed through the Orleans Collection and was bought in 1890 by the National Gallery in London, where it is now held.

Painter

Jacopo Tintoretto

Date

1575

Medium

oil paint, canvas

Dimensions

149 × 168 cm

Museum

National Gallery, London

Movement

Mannerism, Venetian school

Genre

mythological painting

Depicts

Milky Way as milk from breast of a woman, Eros, Heracles, Juno, pubic hair removal, breastfeeding, peafowl, bracelet

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