Neptune Stabbing a Sea Horse c. 1550 - 1560

Maarten van Heemskerck created this oil on panel depicting Neptune sometime in the 16th century. Heemskerck’s Neptune is not the serene god of classical statuary, but a muscular, dynamic figure, about to strike a sea horse with his trident. The painting reflects the Northern Renaissance interest in classical mythology, but also the anxieties of the time. In the 16th century, the Netherlands was a region of merchants and sailors and also a region in turmoil. The artist may have been alluding to the political storms of his time. Neptune, as a symbol of power and control over the seas, could represent the leaders of the Netherlands or even a warning to those who dared to challenge their authority. The Rijksmuseum's records, along with other historical sources, can help us to understand the complex interplay of artistic expression and socio-political context. Art always reflects, and comments on, the world in which it was created.