Neptune 1525 - 1575

This bronze figure of Neptune was created by Severo Calzetta da Ravenna. Notice how the dark, patinated bronze gives the sculpture a sense of gravitas, while the dynamic pose and expressive face convey a powerful energy. The figure's anatomical structure is rendered with meticulous detail, characteristic of the Renaissance interest in classical forms. The positioning of the arms creates a visual tension, suggesting potential movement, while the god's gaze upwards implies a connection to the celestial realm. This sculpture operates within a semiotic framework, where Neptune's trident, though absent, is implied by the gesture of his raised arm—a signifier of his dominion over the seas. This calculated use of form and gesture exemplifies the era's engagement with classical mythology as a vehicle for exploring complex ideas about power, nature, and human potential.