Study for a Sculpture of Neptune by Giambologna

Study for a Sculpture of Neptune 1540 - 1608

drawing, print, sculpture

drawing

toned paper

light pencil work

print

pencil sketch

personal sketchbook

ink drawing experimentation

sculpture

pen-ink sketch

sketchbook drawing

watercolour illustration

sketchbook art

watercolor

This preparatory drawing, "Study for a Sculpture of Neptune," by the Italian Renaissance sculptor Giambologna depicts a nude male figure standing atop a pedestal, holding onto a large conch shell. The figure represents Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and the drawing is a study for a larger sculpture, the original of which is no longer extant. The drawing displays Giambologna's characteristic masterful skill in rendering the human form.