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Oil on canvas, 223 x 181 cm, The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

In order to embody the union of the two elements, Rubens took figures from Classical mythology: resting on the trident is the god of the sea, Neptune, representing Water, whilst Cybele (Mother of the Gods), with the horn of plenty in her hand, is Earth. The prosperous union of Earth and Water, bringing mankind wealth and plenty, is blessed by the goddess of Victory, who descends from Mount Olympus, and is heralded on a conch by the Triton, who has raised himself up from the watery depths. More about this painting

Tags: rubens, peter, paul, union, earth, water, 1618, gods, godesses, river, drinking, urn, allegories