Jupiter and Thetis is based on the book of Iliad that begins with those who participated in the Trojan war, Agamemnon and Achilles. In their honor and bravery, Agamemnon, the king of Achaeans, and Achilles, the son of a sea nymph Thetis, both receivesprizes. Agamemnon, must give up his prize (Chryseis) in order to prevent a mass famine; Achilles was forced to give up his war prizes to Agamemnon. Feeling disrespected, Achilles prays to Thetis for his sorrow of losing his honor, and he begs his mother to speak to Zeus. Thetis manages to speak to Zeus and convinces him to do what she wishes.

Ingres portrays contrast between female and male power in the painting. This can be seen through the delicate and curviness of Thetis's body and the broad, muscular body of Zeus. It shows the dominance of male over female. However it's interesting how Thetis easily manipulates Zeus by her erotic hand gestures. She is gently stroking his beard and she's leaning closely onto him as Hera watches them. The triangular composition in the center of the painting slightly suggests triumph of Zeus's power, and halo-like faint black lines can be in the back of Zeus's head. The eagle resembles Zeus representing that the animal sees everything like the God himself. The color of Thetis's dress compliments the red cloth of Zeus and also contrasts the cobalt-blue sky.