Die Entstehung der Milchstraße

The Origin of the Milky Way

Jupiter sought immortality for his illegitimate son Hercules. He carried him to the breast of his sleeping wife Juno, but the goddess awoke. Her milk spurted out to create the Milky Way in the heavens and lilies on earth, rather than making Hercules divine. The painting was probably commissioned by the medical specialist Tommaso Rangone, perhaps for Emperor Maximilian.