Description
The Return of Neptune sets the sea god above a lively company of marine figures and horses. His elevated position and trident establish the scene’s center, while the attendants, waves and chariot extend the movement across the wide composition. A winged child above adds another level to the gathering, connecting the airborne and maritime parts of the mythological procession.
Painted around 1754 in oil on canvas, this early work belongs to Copley’s youthful study of reproduced Italian mythological paintings. The Metropolitan Museum of Art places it among the works through which he learned his craft. Its interest lies partly in that act of translation: a young painter exploring a received composition and adapting its figures and story into a painted surface of his own.
Read our guide to giclée prints or browse the John Singleton Copley collection.
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