Triumph of Neptune and Amphitrite with Distant Figures feasting in a Cave
Frans Francken II (Antwerp 1581 - Antwerp 1642)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1600 - 1699
Materials
Oil on copper
Measurements
495 x 648 mm (19 ½ x 25 ½ in)
Order this imageCollection
Arlington Court, Devon
NT 988010
Caption
Neptune sits in his sea-shell chariot, drawn by two grey sea horses, holding his trident His wife, the Nereid sea-nymph, Amphitrite stands beside him holding the hand of a child. A merman, probably their son, Triton, blows a conch shell horn. They are surrounded by Nereids and Tritons who bear fish aloft on long staffs against a storm-filled sky whilst figures feast in a cave beyond. This is a small cabinet-picture painted on copper in the manner of the Flemish artist from Antwerp.
Summary
Oil painting on copper, Triumph of Neptune and Amphitrite with Distant Figures feasting in a Cave by Frans Francken II (Antwerp 1581 - Antwerp 1642) and Studio. One of two mythological scenes on the subject of Neptune (See also NT 988009). At the centre of the scene, Neptune sits in his sea-shell chariot which is drawn by two grey sea horses. A red cloak billows out behind him and he holds his trident in his right hand. His wife, the Nereid, Amphitrite stands beside him holding the hand of a child. They are surrounded by Nereids and Tritons who bear fish aloft on long staffs. A merman who blows a conch horn to Neptune's right may be Triton, the son of Neptune and Amphitrite. In the background is a rocky shoreline with a group of figures feasting in a cave to the right. Black clouds denoting an approaching storm fill the sky at the left.
Provenance
Bequeathed to the National Trust with Arlington Court by Miss Rosalie Chichester (1865 – 1949)
Credit line
Arlington Court, The Chichester Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
Frans Francken II (Antwerp 1581 - Antwerp 1642) , painter studio of Frans Francken II (Antwerp 1581 - Antwerp 1642) , painter