Juno Frightened by the Furies - Giulio Bonasone

A detailed Renaissance engraving by Giulio Bonasone depicting the goddess Juno encountering the three Furies, complete with architectural framing and poetic inscription.

This engraving by Giulio Bonasone depicts a dramatic mythological scene where the goddess Juno encounters the Furies. Bonasone, a skilled printmaker active in Bologna, demonstrates his mastery of the burin through precise line work and structured composition. The central narrative shows Juno recoiling from the three Furies, identified by inscriptions as Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone. Their serpentine hair and aggressive gestures contrast with the more composed, classical figure of the goddess, who is accompanied by her attribute, the peacock.

The work is framed within an architectural structure, a common device in sixteenth-century printmaking to provide spatial order. Above the main scene, two putti support a circular element, adding a decorative layer to the composition. Below the figures, an Italian verse explains the subject matter, linking the visual imagery to literary traditions of the period. The engraving reflects the interest in classical mythology and humanistic themes that defined the Italian Renaissance.

Bonasone was known for his ability to translate the works of other masters into print, yet he also produced original designs. This piece displays his technical proficiency in creating texture and volume through varied hatching patterns. The contrast between the dark, chaotic energy of the underworld figures and the light-filled presence of Juno creates a clear visual tension. The print serves as an example of the sophisticated graphic arts produced in Italy during the mid-sixteenth century, where classical learning and technical skill converged. Collectors of Renaissance prints will appreciate the clarity of the lines and the adherence to the stylistic conventions of the Bolognese school.