Neptune and Amphitrite 

Julie Bell’s contemporary painting portrays Neptune and Amphitrite, surrounded by dolphins in a vivid underwater embrace. Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, mirrors Poseidon of the Greeks. Amphitrite, a sea nymph, became his queen. Dolphins, often seen as guides or saviors, appear here as symbols of the sea’s benevolent power. These creatures escort the divine couple, much like how dolphins led Poseidon to Amphitrite. This motif has appeared throughout history, such as in ancient Roman mosaics, where dolphins are depicted as carriers of souls to the afterlife, echoing a deep-seated human fascination with the sea and its mysteries. Note the intimate, almost erotic tension between Neptune and Amphitrite. This embrace is not merely a depiction of marital bliss but a powerful assertion of dominion over the sea. The recurring depiction of marine deities, from classical sculptures to modern fantasy art, reflects humanity's enduring need to personify and understand the formidable forces of nature. This motif of divine love and dominion will continue to evolve, as the sea’s allure persists in our collective psyche.