Paris, circa 1636-1638. Le Sueur paints a Renaissance dream. Against an azure sky, marine deities escort two lovers toward the island of Venus.
A Spectacular Mythological Procession
Neptune sits enthroned upon his shell, trident in hand. His muscular, draped body dominates the composition. Amphitrite reclines gracefully in her pearlescent conch, wrapped in turquoise fabrics. Cupids flutter above the waves. The pearlescent flesh tones contrast with draperies in saturated hues: fuchsia pink, olive green, golden yellow. Le Sueur creates undulating fabrics that follow the movement of the bodies. On the left, the ship carrying Poliphilus and Polia sets sail for Cythera. Each figure displays idealized proportions inherited from Antiquity.
When the Renaissance Dreams of Antiquity
This work illustrates the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, an allegorical romance published in 1499 by Francesco Colonna. This dreamlike narrative enjoyed success in 17th-century France. Louis XIV commissioned eight canvases on this theme from Le Sueur for the Gobelins manufactory. The tapestry project never came to fruition, but the paintings bear witness to the fascination with amorous mythologies. Le Sueur transposes the Italian humanist universe into the French classical aesthetic, where clarity of composition and elegance of form take precedence.
Le Sueur, Painter of the Classical Ideal
Eustache Le Sueur (1616-1655) trained under Simon Vouet. He developed a refined style influenced by Raphael. Co-founder of the Royal Academy of Painting, he excelled in decorative cycles and mythological subjects. This canvas reveals his ability to translate literary poetry into harmonious images.
💭 And you, toward which imaginary island would you sail if the gods offered you such a voyage?
About This Work
- Marine Gods Paying Homage to Love, Eustache Le Sueur, circa 1636-1638
- Oil on canvas, 96.2 × 136.2 cm
- The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
- https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/103RCP
