Riviergod Tagus 1586

"Riviergod Tagus" (River God Tagus) is a 1586 engraving by the Flemish artist Philips Galle. It depicts the river god Tagus, a figure from Roman mythology, seated on a rock and pouring water from a conch shell. The detailed anatomical representation of the god's muscular physique is characteristic of the Mannerist style prevalent in Northern Europe in the late 16th century. Galle’s meticulous rendering of the surrounding landscape, including a city in the distance, adds depth and context to the scene. This print, part of a series of river gods, is a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of classical mythology on Renaissance art.