Embracing Tritons
2023 © Maxim Tabachnik
Grotesque Ceiling DecorationChrist Carrying His CrossSaint Michael the ArchangelGrotesque Fantasy with BeastsEmperor HadrianArchangel MichaelApollo and DaphneAngel with the SudariumPsyche Awakens CupidThe Battle of ZamaThe Abduction of EuropaPerseus Beheads the Sea MonsterPsyche and the Old WomanMausoleum of HadrianPanoramic View from Castel Sant’AngeloChrist in LimboThe Miracle of the AngelThe BathMythological Ceiling with Stucco ReliefLamentation over the Dead ChristTritons and Naiads in CombatMarine Deity with CornucopiaSt. Michael the ArchangelCeiling of the Sala PaolinaLeda and the SwanFestina LenteAquatic Satire with TurtlesBaboons with FruitView Toward the Altare della Patria from Castel Sant’AngeloArchangel Michael in BattlePerseus Slays the Sea MonsterPan and a NymphPerseus Approaches AndromedaSt. Michael and Grotesque MotifsRooftop Catapult and AmmunitionMarine Deities and Serpentine CreaturesThe Virgin and Blessing Child EnthronedMarine Procession of Tritons and NereidsMax at Castel Sant’Angelo TerraceCupid and PsycheNaumachia in the Belvedere CourtyardSea Procession with Tritons and NereidsEmbracing TritonsAllegory with ChimeraTritons and Sea CreaturesThe Miracle of the Angel

Embracing TritonsPerino del Vaga; Domenico Rietti

765
This ceiling fresco (1545–46) arranges intertwined tritons in angled corner panels around a central medallion head. The muscular sea beings coil elongated tails and clutch one another, their human torsos merging with fishlike bodies. Narrow bands of grotesque ornament frame the scenes and link them to surrounding foliage borders. The pairing of marine hybrids, profile medallion, and ornamental bands reflects Renaissance fascination with classical mythology and mutable forms.