Battle of the Sea Gods: right half of a frieze

This is the right hand section of an engraving made in two parts, perhaps so that it could be more easily printed. The left hand section is represented in a copy by Daniel Hopfer hanging nearby. Both are inspired by reliefs on ancient Roman sarcophagi, which sometimes included mythical marine creatures, such as those depicted here. The subject relates to human discord, indicated by an old and a young Triton perhaps fighting over the merits of their respective mistresses. Their weapons are somewhat primitive and ineffectual, so the mood is not violent and is more like a ritual, hinting that emotions like jealousy are part of the everyday fabric of human existence.