The artwork, titled “Torso of Neptune,” was created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini around the year 1620. This piece belongs to the Baroque art movement and falls within the genre of mythological painting. Currently housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the artwork exemplifies the dramatic flair and dynamic composition characteristic of Bernini’s work during this period.
“Torso of Neptune” depicts a fragmented body, capturing the essence of the mythological figure Neptune with a heightened sense of realism and movement. Although the sculpture primarily focuses on the torso, the muscular contours and flowing drapery suggest a powerful and imposing figure. The use of texture and the meticulous rendering of details, such as the swirling fabric, add life and dynamism to the piece. The broken, unfinished appearance of the sculpture might symbolize the temporality of human forms or the enduring strength of the god it represents. The artwork’s detailed execution and emotive quality are indicative of Bernini’s masterful ability to evoke intense emotion and movement within the static medium of stone.
