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Neptune (Poseidon in Greek Mythology) is the God of Sea. When
offended Neptune strikes the ground with his trident and causes
chaotic springs, earthquakes, drowning and shipwrecks. In this
work though Neptune is still resentful of the wandering Trojans,
he is seen calming the sea to ensure the safe passage for Aeneas,
as an effort to annoy Juno who has intruded into his domain.
At his feet Triton, Neptune's son gives a signal with his shell-horn.
The sculptor's homage to Bernini is apparent in what is considered
the most flamboyant Baroque sculpture in 18th-century France. |