Pendant Design with a Sea Monster Carrying Neptune Flanked by Two Nerieds 1582

Adriaen Collaert created this pendant design with a sea monster carrying Neptune flanked by two Nereids, as an engraving in the late 16th or early 17th century. Collaert lived in Antwerp during a time of religious and political upheaval. His work reflects the influence of the Italian Renaissance and the Mannerist style, which emphasized elegance and artifice. This ornamental design intertwines classical mythology with the natural world. Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, is centered as a figure of power and authority, accompanied by Nereids, the sea nymphs. Yet, it is the mythical sea monster that draws our attention, an assertion of the power of nature. This work provides insight into the cultural values of the time, in its fascination with classical antiquity, and its idealization of the male form. It also presents an alternative narrative through the sea monster that challenges the traditional representations of beauty. This pendant design evokes the era’s appreciation for elaborate ornamentation, and also reflects the complex interplay between mythology, nature, and society.