Artwork
The Throne of Neptune from San Vitale in Ravenna
The Throne of Neptune from San Vitale in Ravenna is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Italian 16th Century. It dates from 1544 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:Lettered along the bottom margin: "Opus hoc antiquum sculp. reperitur Ravennae in aed. divi Vitalis M D X VIIII"
About this work
Overview
The Throne of Neptune from San Vitale in Ravenna is a 16th-century Italian engraving attributed to Marco Dente.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a crowned woman seated on a shell throne, accompanied by two cherubs, one of whom holds a trident, with a sea monster below. The scene is likely derived from a relief sculpture.
Technique & Style
The artist employed fine lines to create shading on skin and fabric, while cross-hatching was used to build shadows, giving the figures a three-dimensional appearance against the blank background.
History & Provenance
The engraving is now held by the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
Artist & collection
Artist
An anonymous 16th-century Italian sculptor left a handful of small bronzes in dark brown and gilt.
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