Battling Marine Deities 1575 - 1600

This rock crystal standing dish, depicting battling marine deities, was crafted in Milan by the Saracchi workshop. Its creation exists within a time of rigid social hierarchies where mythology served as a powerful tool for conveying messages about power, desire, and the natural world. Observe how the figures, carved with precision, engage in dynamic combat across a stylized sea. What can be said about the politics of representation in art, when the deities themselves were subjected to the whims and interpretations of human artists? Consider how the choice of rock crystal—a precious material—elevates the status of these mythological narratives. The decision to depict conflict, rather than harmony, might reflect the turbulent times in which it was made, but also perhaps the emotional turbulence that is part of life. These battling deities embody the intersection of mythology, power, and the human experience, offering a glimpse into the complex world of the Renaissance court.