Neptune Riding a Dolphin
Unknown
ca. 1530–50 · Boxwood · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
The Roman sea god Neptune, identified by his three-pronged trident, straddles a dolphin swimming inland amid roiling waves. The marine scene, with additional dolphins and sailing boats, is enlivened by landscapes fortified with castles and towers along a central strait. Many artisans took inspiration from Flötner’s work, and references to his designs suffuse Northern Renaissance artworks in a wide range of materials. The artist was a key figure in adapting Italianesque styles to northern tastes.
- Artist
- Unknown
- Date
- ca. 1530–50
- Medium
- Boxwood
- Culture
- Germany, Nuremberg
- Department
- European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
- Credit line
- Purchase, Wrightsman Fellows Gifts, 2019
