Jupiter

Jupiter, detail of a painting by Jacopo Zucchi, 1586-90, currently in the collection of the Palazzo Rucellia in Rome.

This image is filled with astrological symbolism. At the bottom corners the sign Sagittarius and Pisces represent the diurnal and nocturnal houses of Jupiter. Justice, with sword and scales, and Mercy with the ram, are the two virtues associated with Jupiter. And at the top the sign of Cancer represented as a lobster alludes to Jupiter’s role as the protector of the month of July.