Artwork Page for The Triumph of Neptune

Details / Information for The Triumph of Neptune

The Triumph of Neptune

1766 or later

Charles Joseph Natoire

(French, 1700–1777)
Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
Watercolor and black chalk on two sheets of cream laid paper
Measurements
Image: 23.8 x 34.1 cm (9 3/8 x 13 7/16 in.); Mounted: 34 x 44 cm (13 3/8 x 17 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Severance and Greta Millikin Trust 2013.48
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Natoire produced this drawing based on a fresco by Guillaume Courtois, known as Il Borgognone (1628–1679), that decorates a vaulted ceiling in the Palazzo Dorio-Pamphili in Valmontone. Carrying his trident, Neptune skims the ocean waves in a chariot attended by the gods Nereus and Oceanus, his son, Triton, and a dolphin. Able to raise tempests and calm the sea, Neptune gestures toward darkened clouds where two blowing faces personify the winds. Natoire’s fluid brushstrokes and vibrant use of color exemplify the characteristic sensuality of his watercolors.
An arched watercolor and black chalk drawing depicts Neptune, a bearded man with a light skin tone, in a golden chariot. He holds a trident and reaches toward a winged child in swirling gray and yellow clouds. Below, two white horses pull the chariot through frothing waves. A triton blows a conch shell on the left, while two nude figures guide the horses past a dark sea creature at the bottom.

The Triumph of Neptune

1766 or later

Charles Joseph Natoire

(French, 1700–1777)
France, 18th century

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