Galatea with Tritons, Nereids and Cupid

Galatea 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.