Neptune Calming the Tempest Raised Against the Fleet of Aeneas 1510 - 1576

Giulio Bonasone made this engraving of Neptune Calming the Tempest Raised Against the Fleet of Aeneas sometime in the 16th century. The print illustrates a scene from Virgil’s epic poem, The Aeneid, where the Roman god Neptune stills a storm to save Aeneas and his fleet. What we see here is more than just a dramatic rescue; it’s an assertion of power, both divine and imperial. Think about it: Aeneas, a Trojan hero, is destined to found Rome. His survival ensures the rise of an empire that would dominate the Mediterranean world. Bonasone, working in the vibrant cultural milieu of Renaissance Italy, was deeply influenced by classical literature and mythology. His decision to depict this scene reflects the humanist fascination with antiquity and the desire to connect the present with the glories of the past. Notice Neptune’s commanding presence. He’s not just calming a storm; he’s restoring order, a theme that resonated deeply in a period marked by political upheaval and religious reformations. The engraving becomes a statement about the necessity of strong leadership and the restoration of social harmony amidst chaos. What does it mean to see a Black Neptune? How does this change your understanding of power?