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Wikimedia Commons · Public domain · Hover to magnify, click for fullscreen
Original fileGalatea is depicted gliding across the sea, holding the reins of two dolphins while looking back over her shoulder. Around her, tritons and nereids engage in a rowdy marine procession, some blowing into conch shells and others locked in embrace. In the sky, three cupids aim their arrows toward her, while a fourth cherub rests on a cloud in the foreground with a quiver.
This work embodies the High Renaissance revival of Neoplatonic ideals, specifically the concept of 'Idea' or mental beauty as discussed by Raphael in his letters. The scene is based on Angelo Poliziano's 'Stanze per la giostra', reflecting the synthesis of classical mythology and humanistic poetry in the circle of Agostino Chigi.
Galatea nympha marina a Raphaele Urbinate in palatio Chisii depicta
Translation
Galatea, a sea nymph, painted by Raphael of Urbino in the palace of Chigi.
Angelo Poliziano
The imagery is directly inspired by Poliziano's poem 'Stanze per la giostra', which describes Galatea's triumph.
Marsilio Ficino
Raphael's pursuit of 'a certain idea' of beauty in this work reflects Ficinian Neoplatonic theories regarding the artist's access to divine archetypes.
Object
Fresco
mythological
Digital Source
Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG37150
1772 × 2500 px
Linked Data
AI AI-cataloged fields generated by gemini-3-flash-preview on April 2, 2026. Getty identifiers are AI-inferred and may require verification.