The Legend of Juno and the Peacock is a mythological story from Roman mythology (with its roots in Greek mythology, where Juno is known as Hera). It explains how the peacock became sacred to Juno and why its feathers bear "eyes."
Title: Juno and the Peacock
Artist: Unknown (Renaissance period, 16th century)
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Description:
This painting portrays the Roman goddess Juno, majestic in her flowing blue robes and golden diadem, standing before her sacred peacock. The iridescent “eyes” of the peacock’s tail symbolize the hundred eyes of Argus Panoptes, her faithful watchman, slain by Mercury. In honor of Argus, Juno preserved his eyes within the peacock’s feathers, making the bird a lasting emblem of vigilance and divine splendor. The Renaissance artist captures this myth with balanced composition, softened light, and harmonious interplay of figure and landscape, evoking both grandeur and serenity.