Neptunus bedreigt de aarde met zijn drietand 1659

This tiny print, made by Nicolaes Cornelisz. Witsen in the Netherlands, shows Neptune threatening the Earth with his trident, illustrating a story from Ovid's Metamorphoses. The image is a potent mix of classical mythology and contemporary concerns. Made during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by maritime power and colonial expansion, the image uses the figure of Neptune to subtly comment on the relationship between humanity and the unpredictable forces of nature. The story of the flood would have resonated with a society that was constantly battling the sea for land. The Latin text beneath the image tells the story of a great flood. It also shows a boat sitting on top of a hill, and a couple watching over all the destruction. Understanding this artwork requires us to consider the cultural and historical context in which it was made. By exploring sources from the period, such as contemporary writings on maritime trade and hydraulic engineering, we can better appreciate the complex social dynamics that shaped its creation. Only then can we understand its role within Dutch society.