The Seconda Macchina for the Chinea of 1741: Neptune and Amphitrite 1741

François Hutin etched this depiction of Neptune and Amphitrite in 1741. The god of the sea, Neptune, stands alongside his wife Amphitrite, amidst a bustling scene of celebration. Neptune, trident in hand, embodies power and dominion over the waters. This recalls the classical depictions of Poseidon, a figure deeply embedded in our collective memory. We see echoes of him in countless artworks across history, each iteration reflecting the cultural currents of its time. Consider the shifting portrayal of Poseidon from a symbol of raw, untamed power to a more refined, civic deity. The presence of Neptune here speaks to the enduring human fascination with the sea. The ocean, both a source of life and a realm of chaos, taps into primal fears and desires. Hutin's etching captures this tension, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to resurface and evolve.