The Triumph of Neptune

French 18th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a mythological scene at sea. The image depicts several figures in water, surrounding a central figure who holds a trident. There are horses emerging from the water, and a chariot-like structure is implied. Surrounding the main scene, other figures appear to be engaging in acts such as blowing a conch shell, and there are figures in the sky resembling cherubs or putti. The use of shading and the blue-gray background adds a sense of motion to the waves and clouds.