Ontwerp voor een wanddecoratie met Neptunus en zijn gevolg 1751

Rienk Keyert made this design for a wall decoration with pen, brush, and watercolor, sometime in the 18th century. It depicts the Roman god Neptune with his entourage. The design offers a glimpse into the aesthetic values of the Dutch elite during that era. Keyert’s drawing reflects the period’s fascination with classical antiquity, a hallmark of European art since the Renaissance. The choice of Neptune as a subject is interesting when we consider the Netherlands’ close relationship with the sea. As a maritime power, the Dutch Republic drew much of its wealth and international status from naval trade and overseas exploration. The design connects this national identity to a rich cultural heritage. To understand the design’s original context we might ask: Where was it meant to be placed? Whose tastes did it reflect? And how does it compare to other decorative schemes from the same period? By situating art within these social and institutional frameworks, we gain a deeper appreciation of its historical significance.