Nettuno 2018

Roberto Ferri, born in 1978, paints "Nettuno" by drawing on the Italian Baroque style. Ferri is committed to representing dramatic narratives with a strong sense of romanticism. The figure of Neptune, an emblem of virility and power, is reimagined here as an elder, his grey hair tied back, an almost weary expression visible on his face. The symbolism of Neptune, typically associated with youthful vigor, is complicated by the evident signs of age, which prompts an intersectional reading of the artwork. The painting asks questions about how traditional representations of masculinity and power are maintained. It also explores alternative narratives that consider aging, wisdom, and the passage of time. How do depictions change, as we start to consider societal expectations of beauty, strength, and leadership? This portrait reminds us of the emotional and personal dimensions that challenge these societal constructs.