De triomf van Galatea

Galatea glides across the sea's surface, holding the reins of two dolphins while turning her gaze toward the heavens. She is accompanied by a dynamic group of mythological sea creatures, including a Triton blowing a conch shell and sea nymphs riding upon aquatic beasts. Above the scene, three winged cupids aim their arrows at her, while a fourth observes from a cloud clutching a bundle of reserve shafts.

This print is a virtuoso interpretation of Raphael's famous fresco, representing the transmission of Italian Neoplatonic ideals of beauty and the 'Triumph of Love' to Northern Europe. Within the Haarlem Mannerist circle, such mythological scenes were often understood as allegories of the soul's journey through the elements or the power of divine love (Eros) to move all levels of creation.