Sea gods,one at right blowing an elaborate horn, another at center riding a two-headed sea horse, and at left two riding in a carriage

1500–50

Not on view

Mantegna's Battle of the Sea Gods inspired many imitations, among which this engraving must be one of the most fanciful. The artist, known only by his monogram, seems not to have returned to Mantegna's source in ancient art but rather to have adopted Mantegna's foreground of rippling waves and background of reeds, as well as his skulls and sea monsters, to create a nightmarish fantasy scene. The parade of creatures recalls the demons of a medieval vision of hell more than the classical gods of an ancient sea procession.

Artwork Details

Title: Sea gods,one at right blowing an elaborate horn, another at center riding a two-headed sea horse, and at left two riding in a carriage
Artist: Monogrammist HFE (Italian, 1500–1550)
Date: 1500–50
Medium: Engraving
Dimensions: Sheet (Trimmed): 15 7/8 × 6 1/2 in. (40.3 × 16.5 cm)
Classification: Prints
Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1959
Object Number: 59.570.30
Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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