Who painted Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto?

Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto was painted by Simone Cantarini in 1630.

Where can I see Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto?

Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto?

Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto?

Museum-quality prints of Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto

Simone Cantarini , 1630

Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto is an ink print by the Baroque artist Simone Cantarini. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Simone Cantarini’s 1630 etching *Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto* presents a dynamic mythological tableau. The composition features three robust male figures, each embodying a Roman deity, set amid tumultuous clouds and churning sea. The print’s dramatic energy is conveyed through vigorous line work that emphasizes motion and tension.

Subject & Meaning

The three central figures represent the supreme gods of sky, sea, and the underworld—Jupiter, Neptune, and Pluto—each identified by traditional attributes: a horse, a trident, and a staff. Their fierce expressions and aggressive postures suggest a confrontation of elemental forces rather than a serene gathering, highlighting the power inherent in each domain.

Technique & Style

Cantarini employs fine, incisive lines typical of early‑Baroque etching to render texture and movement. Sharp hatching defines the rearing horse’s limbs, the frothing waves, and the swirling clouds, while delicate cross‑hatching creates a luminous contrast that gives the scene depth and a sense of atmospheric turbulence.

History & Provenance

Born in 1612, Cantarini worked in both painting and printmaking, merging the classicist tradition of Bologna with a naturalistic observation of form. *Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto* is among his early prints, reflecting his reputation for achieving subtle tonal effects within the etching medium.

Context

The work aligns with a broader 17th‑century interest in mythological subjects, where artists used classical deities to explore themes of power and the natural world. Cantarini’s treatment of the gods as muscular, active figures mirrors contemporary Baroque tendencies toward drama and physicality.