Neptune Stabbing a Sea Horse c. 1550 - 1560

Maarten van Heemskerck’s “Neptune Stabbing a Sea Horse” (c. 1550 - 1560) is a brown wash drawing that depicts the Roman god Neptune, depicted as a muscular nude, holding a trident and stabbing a seahorse, which lies at his feet. This drawing is an example of Heemskerck’s interest in classical mythology and the human form, characteristic of High Renaissance art. It is now part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum.