The Origin of the Milky Way is a painting by the Italian late Renaissance master Jacopo Tintoretto, in the National Gallery, London, formerly in the Orleans Collection.

Rangone’s whole career revolved around longevity which would align with the myth of The Origin of the Milky Way where Jupiter tried to make Hercules immortal by drinking Juno’s breast milk.

[3] The purpose of these paintings listed on the receipts was to honor the life of St. Mark for the Scuola Grande di San Marco in Venice.

[2] Although The Origin of the Milky Way wasn't specifically listed on the receipt, the painting does fall in line with his tastes.

However, the doctor ended up dying in 1577 leading to the painting switching patrons to a new buyer, Emperor Rudolf II.

[3] The Origin of the Milky Way is a painting that touches circles on the theme of immortality which aligns with Rudolf II's interests.

Another factor that shows why Rudolf II took an interest in this painting is because the Habsburg family has a tradition of modeling themselves after Hercules to be a just and protective ruler.

[3] Rudolf II also ended up modeling himself after the Roman hero and even showed himself wearing a lion skin and holding a club, both iconic items that are associated with Hercules.

[3] It is likely that Rudolf II's official “antiquary” advisor, Mantuan Ottavio Strada, purchased four fable paintings from Tintoretto each depicting the legend of Hercules.

[3] It is assumed that the writer mistook Hercules for Bacchus, but this still implies that the painting was likely hung up in the Imperial Palace of Prague.

[7] It was likely that the painting was folded in half to reduce the amount of space it would take up on the journey to Emperor Rudolf II's castle in Prague.

According to the legend, Jupiter wanted to make his son, Hercules, immortal by having him drink the breast milk of his sleeping goddess wife Juno.

[2] The breast milk being spurted downward created white lilies, but this is seen in the lost portion of the painting.

Moreover, it seems that Tintoretto further took inspiration from the Byzantine herbal, Geoponica, that talks about the creation of lilies and the legend of Hercules.

[4] This epic leads to the inspiration of the bottom third of the painting, a woman who may have been the embodiment of Earth and the mother of Jupiter and Juno.

[6] The subtle tones on Juno's skin and the transparent layering of colors creates the appearance that the flesh is turning.

[6] The Origin of the Milky Way is a Mannerist piece due to the dynamic movement and exaggerated forms of the figures.