Putto met een drietand, achterstevoren rijdend op een zeepaard c. 1526 - 1606

This engraving by Adam Fuchs features a putto with a trident, riding backwards on a seahorse. A winged Cupid carrying a trident evokes the classical god Neptune, master of the seas. The trident, a symbol of power over the aquatic realm, has its roots in ancient mythology. The motif of a figure riding an animal can be traced back to ancient Roman art, like Europa riding the bull. Here, the putto's reversed posture on the seahorse adds a peculiar twist. The image presents a playful yet potent assertion of dominion, resonating with the visual language of power seen in triumphal processions and dynastic displays. The seahorse itself, a mythical creature blending equine and marine elements, embodies the creative imagination and the subconscious fascination with hybrid forms. Such motifs are not merely aesthetic choices, they're carriers of cultural memory. Consider how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.