At times classical subjects become the basis of a more elaborate allegory.
In the case of Dosso Dossi's "Mercurio e Giove", Giove is shown painting butterflies on clouds, while Mercurio stands guard.
By this story, Dossi meant to suggest his own representational skills. Moreover, the planets Jupiter and Mercury, together with the constellation of Virgo (suggested by the female at the far right of the composition), provide an astrological diagramme for the artist.
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