Artwork

Naval Combat Represented on the Arno River in Florence, for the Marriage of Cosimo di Medici Prince of Tuscany, and Maria Maddalena of Austria, in 1608: Periclemene

Naval Combat Represented on the Arno River in Florence, for the Marriage of Cosimo di Medici Prince of Tuscany, and Maria Maddalena of Austria, in 1608: Periclemene is a print by the Baroque artist Remigio Cantagallina. It dates from 1608 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Naval Combat Represented on the Arno River in Florence is a 1608 drawing by Remigio Cantagallina, housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Contrary to its title, the work does not depict a naval battle but rather a fantastical, oversized lobster named Periclemene.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Periclemene, is a mythical lobster, likely chosen for its symbolic or allegorical significance, possibly related to the marriage of Cosimo di Medici and Maria Maddalena of Austria, which the piece commemorates. The aggressive pose may allude to protection, strength, or good fortune.

Technique & Style

Executed in black and white, the drawing showcases detailed texturing of the lobster's shell and elongated, spindly legs, characteristic of Baroque's emphasis on dramatic and bold forms. The wavy surface beneath the lobster suggests a stylized aquatic environment.

History & Provenance

Created in 1608 to celebrate the Medici-Austria royal marriage, the drawing's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here. The inclusion of Italian text alongside the lobster's name indicates its original audience and purpose.

Context

Despite the misleading title implying a scene of naval combat (common in celebration art of the time), the choice of a mythical lobster reflects the creative liberty and symbolic richness often employed in Baroque art to convey messages beyond literal representation.