Artwork

Design for a Pendant with a Sea-Monster Carrying Neptune Flanked by Two Figures

Design for a Pendant with a Sea-Monster Carrying Neptune Flanked by Two Figures is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Adriaen Collaert. It dates from 1582 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Adriaen Collaert’s 1582 engraving presents a design intended for a pendant. The central figure, Neptune, is shown astride a massive sea creature, clutching a spear and a trident, while two smaller figures stand on either side. The composition is framed by ornamental scrollwork and a chandelier‑like motif above the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The image combines mythological and allegorical elements: Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, dominates a monstrous marine beast, suggesting mastery over chaotic forces. The accompanying figures may represent attendants or personifications of virtues, reinforcing the theme of divine control and order within the watery realm.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine line engraving, the work displays meticulous attention to texture, especially in the scales of the sea‑monster and the surrounding waves. The crisp, controlled strokes reflect the Renaissance emphasis on precise draftsmanship and the capacity of printmaking to render intricate decorative details.

History & Provenance

Created in the late sixteenth century, the print was likely circulated as a model for jewelry makers. Collaert, a prominent Flemish engraver, produced the design during a period when mythological motifs were popular in decorative arts, linking the image to contemporary tastes for classical iconography.