Neptune, 17th century

Crowned Neptune, white marble. He faces the viewer, holding a piece of his cloth in his left hand. He stands on an ancient blackened wooden base. The rocky section at its base also features a dolphin. The dolphin symbolizes his divine nature, linked to the waters, and is also his mount. This sculpture has not been repolished, displaying beautiful surface erosion and a lovely antique patina. The right hand is missing. Neptune originated in the Roman pantheon and is often equated with the Greek god Poseidon. However, he was likely an older Italic deity, associated with springs, rivers, and agricultural fertility. The function of this object is also linked to water, as it is a fountain, with the opening in the dolphin's mouth allowing water to flow out. It is probable that the artist drew inspiration from the Neptune fountains of Bologna and Florence, some of which were designed by the artist Bartolomeo Ammannati. These examples show that the evocation of the figure of Neptune refers to power and his reign over the maritime world.

Sculpture height: 85 cm
Sculpture height with base: 163.5 cm
Base height: 78.5 cm