The Triumph of Neptune

The Triumph of Neptune

Peregrino da Cesena

1500

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows five muscular figures tangled in a wild scene by the sea. They’re all naked, with rough, twisted bodies and wild hair—some are lifting a shell or a creature, while others hold up their arms like they’re in the middle of a struggle. The background has jagged waves and dark, stormy clouds, making the whole scene look dramatic and chaotic. The figures’ faces are tense, almost screaming, which makes the action feel urgent. The artist used deep black lines and shading to create a stark contrast, giving the print a gritty, almost metallic look. Next, check out the technique: chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create drama.

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