Neptune Calming the Tempest 1635

Editor: Here we have Peter Paul Rubens’ "Neptune Calming the Tempest," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's awash in movement and drama! What is your interpretation of the god Neptune in this turbulent scene? Curator: Ah, Rubens! He throws us right into the thick of it, doesn't he? I feel a raw, almost primal energy. Neptune, usually a figure of serene power, is actively wrestling with chaos. Almost like he’s learning to surf. Editor: Surfing? I hadn’t thought of that. Curator: Well, look at the way he's balancing on that…sea creature? It's not just about divine authority; it’s a struggle, a negotiation with the untamed. Gives you something to think about, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely. It changes how I see the painting. Curator: Exactly! That's the beauty of Rubens. He invites you to feel, to question, to dive right into the heart of the storm.