Neptune and Melanthe, from "The Loves of the Gods" (Amorosi diletti degli dei) 1531 - 1576

This print, "Neptune and Melanthe," from Giulio Bonasone's "The Loves of the Gods," depicts the Roman god Neptune, in the form of a seahorse, courting the nymph Melanthe. The scene is set in a bedroom, with Melanthe standing by the bed, a snake draped around her neck. Neptune, in his equine form, is kneeling before her, offering a scallop shell, a symbol of his domain. This engraving, created between 1531 and 1576, showcases Bonasone's skill in depicting the human form and creating a captivating narrative within a small format. The intricate details and use of light and shadow add depth and realism to the composition, characteristic of the Renaissance style.