How does Jupiter and Antiope (Watteau) elucidate its Mythological background and reception in art?
The painting comes out of the story of the seduction of Antiope by the god Zeus in Greek mythology, later imported into Roman mythology and told of the god Jupiter. According to this myth, Antiope, the beautiful daughter of King Nycteus of Thebes, was surprised and seduced by Zeus in the form of a satyr. She became pregnant and bore the twins Amphion and Zethus, who later killed Nycteus' brother Lycus in revenge for his treatment of Antiope and took over the city of Thebes.
Zeus Amphion and Zethus Lycus Thebes Roman mythology Jupiter Nycteus satyr Antiope Greek mythology