Image scanned from a transparency and color-corrected by Pat Cagney.

Neptune and Nereides

Artist Giovanni Battista Beinaschi (Italian, 1636-1688)

Datemid 1600s

MediumOil on canvas

DimensionsOverall: 59 1/2 x 79 in. (151.1 x 200.7 cm)
Overall, Frame: 76 1/2 x 93 3/4 in. (194.3 x 238.1 cm)

ClassificationsEuropean art

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number71.537

Terms

Roman mythology
Neptune
Nereides
Allegory
sea
Water
Elements
Green
Gray
Blue
White
Red
Mustard yellow
Baroque

On View

Not on view

DescriptionLarge classically rendered figures fill the canvas. Neptune dominates the top half of the painting, pointing to the left while looking to the right. The nereides amuse themselves below him.

Label TextGiovanni Battista Beinaschi Italian, 1636-1688 Neptune and Nereids, mid 1600s Oil on canvas Like a boat at sea, Neptune and his water nymphs pitch and yaw. As god of the oceans, Neptune commands the action, summoning sea monsters to carry his crew while the wind gods blow up a storm. Everyone casts about, heightening the scene’s drama. The nymph in red gazes to the left while heaving to the right. The one in yellow reels back while eyeing the powerful god. Neptune himself thrusts his arm toward us while throwing a glance to the sky. Such energy and dynamism exemplify the sweeping drama of Baroque painting. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 71.537