Artwork
Neptune with Two Horses on the Sea
Neptune with Two Horses on the Sea is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Cornelis Schut I. It dates from 1626 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Neptune with Two Horses on the Sea is a 1626 etching by Cornelis Schut I, depicting a mythological scene centered around the Roman god of the sea.
Subject & Meaning
The etching shows Neptune riding a hybrid sea creature, accompanied by a woman (likely Amphitrite, his wife) on a shell, holding a pearl necklace. Neptune wields a trident and reins, symbolizing his dominion over the sea.
Technique & Style
The work showcases detailed line work and nuanced shading, achieving depth in both figures and the sea's expanse. The etching technique enables intricate textural contrasts, from Neptune's rugged beard to the sea's smoothness.
History & Provenance
Created in 1626 by Cornelis Schut I, specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.
Context
This etching reflects Renaissance interests in classical mythology, executed through the precise and expressive medium of etching, popular during this period.
Legacy
As part of Cornelis Schut I's oeuvre, the etching contributes to the broader legacy of Renaissance printmaking, though its individual impact is not elaborated in the given sources.
Artist & collection
Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto
Jupiter, Neptune and Pluto
The "Quos Ego"
The Four Elements
The Four Elements
The Genius of Franklin (Au Génie de Franklin)
Jupiter and Juno
The Prima Macchina for the Chinea of 1741: Allegory of Regal Magnificence
Triumph of Galatea
Sirens, Naiads, and Tritons
Ixion Deceived by Juno
Minerva