Neptune standing in a niche holding a trident in his left hand, foliage in his right 1570 - 1615

This engraving by Cherubino Alberti depicts Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, his commanding presence captured on this sheet. He stands within a niche, holding a trident – a symbol of his dominion over the waters – in his left hand, while foliage adorns his right. The trident, an emblem of power, echoes the lightning bolt of Jupiter, Neptune's brother, symbolizing control over natural forces. Throughout time, the trident has appeared in diverse cultures, from ancient Greek pottery to modern-day emblems, each time carrying connotations of authority. Even the foliage in Neptune’s hand harkens back to ancient fertility rites and the life-giving force of nature. Observe how Alberti has rendered Neptune's muscular form, imbuing him with a sense of raw power. This is not merely a depiction of a god, but an embodiment of the elemental forces he commands, engaging our subconscious understanding of nature's might. As we reflect on this image, we are reminded of the cyclical nature of symbols, how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, constantly reshaping our cultural memory.