Neptune (one of a pair) 1765 - 1785

Editor: This is "Neptune," a ceramic sculpture by Ralph Wood the Younger, created between 1765 and 1785. It feels quite baroque with that strong figuration, but also quaint because it is made of ceramic. The muted color palette also gives it a softer mood. What stories do you think this piece is trying to tell? Curator: Ah, Neptune. The Roman god of the sea, a figure laden with symbolic weight. He represents power, yes, but also the unpredictable nature of the ocean and by extension our own emotions. Notice his hand gestures, almost shielding himself, juxtaposed to that contrapposto pose: does this indicate his authority or some self-doubt? Consider the dolphin at his feet - more than just a motif, this could be a token or representation of the sea god. Does it reinforce his mastery, or could it show something tamed, and so lost? Editor: I see what you mean about the tension. It's interesting how you focused on his hand and the dolphin. It is very humanizing. It shifts my perception to perhaps being more reflective of Wood’s view of leadership. I wonder how a contemporary viewer would have perceived it, in relation to notions of kingship. Curator: Exactly! Now, think of ceramic as the material; so delicate yet enduring, almost fragile yet strong. Neptune embodies all that; a reminder that symbols shift in their meaning over centuries, shaped by history. Editor: It’s fascinating how the symbolism resonates across time, reflecting societal shifts. Curator: Indeed. Each image holds layers of history. We, as viewers, decode, feel and connect. It helps us weave our threads in time. Editor: That's beautiful. I'll never look at Neptune the same way again!