Neptune and Amphitrite Sebastiano Ricci (1659-1734)

The composition presents a dynamic scene set within a turbulent seascape. A central couple dominates the view: a bearded male figure and a woman with flowing hair, both positioned atop what appears to be a lavishly decorated chariot or platform. The man holds a trident aloft, his posture suggesting authority and control over the surrounding waters. He is surrounded by a retinue of smaller figures – winged infants – who seem to playfully accompany him.
The female figure displays an animated pose, her body twisting as if caught in a sudden gust of wind. A large swath of fabric billows around her, contributing to the sense of movement and drama. The artist has rendered her skin with a luminous quality, contrasting sharply with the darker tones of the male figure’s beard and hair.
Below them, several muscular figures struggle within the waves. Their poses are exaggerated, conveying exertion and perhaps even a hint of distress. One individual, distinguished by his reddish-brown skin tone, appears to be actively propelling the platform forward through the water. The presence of marine animals – notably what seems to be a sea monster or leviathan – further emphasizes the power and unpredictability of the ocean environment.
The color palette is dominated by blues and greens, reflecting the aquatic setting. However, touches of red – present in the fabric draped over the platform and the skin tone of one figure – introduce visual interest and highlight key elements within the scene. The sky above is rendered with a dramatic use of light and shadow, suggesting an impending storm or a moment of heightened emotional intensity.
Subtly, the work explores themes of power, dominion, and the relationship between humanity and nature. The central couple embodies divine authority, while the figures struggling in the water represent those subject to its forces. The playful presence of the winged infants introduces a note of levity amidst the overall drama, perhaps suggesting the eternal cycle of creation and destruction inherent within the natural world.