Triumph of Galatea with Tritons, Nereids and Putti

Galatea stands in a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two dolphins while holding their reins. She is surrounded by sea-creatures and nymphs in a scene of chaotic movement, while three winged figures in the sky aim bows and arrows at her. In the upper left corner, a fourth winged figure watches from the clouds while clutching a bundle of arrows.

This composition is a primary visual expression of Renaissance Neoplatonism, representing the soul's pursuit of ideal beauty. Raphael’s stated method of following a 'certain idea' in his mind to create Galatea mirrors Marsilio Ficino’s teachings on the artist’s ability to access divine archetypes.