Neptune on a Sea Monster

Severo da Ravenna

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture depicts a bearded man standing with his feet on the back of a sea creature resembling a dragon or serpent with an open mouth. The man holds a large trident above his head in his right hand, and his left hand is down towards the monster, holding two large chain links. He is nude, with a long, curling beard and a muscular body. He looks down at the sea creature, which has textured scales, fin-like feet, short horns, folded ears, and an open, toothy mouth with a long tongue. The sculpture is made of a dark brown, polished material.