Neptune Calming the Tempest That Aeolus Raised Against Aeneas's Fleet

c. 1515–16

after Raphael

(Italian, 1483–1520)

Culture

Italy, 16th century

Medium

engraving

Support

Laid paper

Measurements

Sheet: 22.5 x 15.1 cm (8 7/8 x 5 15/16 in.)

Credit Line

Dudley P. Allen Fund 1930.580

Catalogue raisonné

Bartsch 352 (XIV.264); Delaborde 146.102

You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Location

Not on view

Description

This engraving depicts an episode in the epic Aeneid by the Roman poet Virgil (70–19 BC). Skimming the ocean waves in a seashell chariot, Neptune raises his trident as he confronts the cherub-faced winds sent by their master, Aeolus. Although some of the Trojan fleet is lost in the waves, Neptune calms the tempest in time to save Aeneas and a few of his ships as they escape the fallen city of Troy in search of a new home.