John Singleton Copley – The Return of Neptune Metropolitan Museum: part 2

The composition presents a dynamic scene centered around a powerful male figure, presumably a deity, seated upon a chariot drawn by seahorses. He holds a trident in one hand and gestures towards a sphere held aloft with the other. The overall impression is one of grandeur and dominion over the marine environment.
Here we see turbulent waves forming the lower portion of the scene, rendered with considerable attention to their movement and texture. These waters are populated by various figures – tritons blowing horns, partially submerged humanoids, and a serpentine creature that appears to form part of the chariot’s structure. The color palette is dominated by blues, greens, and creams, contributing to an atmosphere of both majesty and potential danger inherent in the oceans depths.
The central figure exudes authority through his posture and attire; he wears elaborate drapery and a crown-like headpiece, reinforcing his status as a ruler or god. The seahorses themselves are depicted with muscularity and grace, their forms suggesting both power and elegance. A winged putto hovers in the upper right corner, holding a spear and appearing to observe the scene with an air of detached amusement or perhaps divine approval.
Subtleties within the work suggest layers of meaning beyond a simple depiction of mythological transport. The sphere held by the central figure could symbolize dominion over the world, knowledge, or even a specific territory. The turbulent waters might represent challenges or forces that must be controlled. The presence of multiple figures – both benevolent and potentially threatening – hints at a complex interplay of power and responsibility within this aquatic realm.
The artist’s skill is evident in the rendering of light and shadow, which enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures and creates a sense of drama. The compositions diagonal lines, created by the chariot’s trajectory and the arrangement of the figures, contribute to the feeling of movement and energy that permeates the entire scene.