SINTRA, Portugal — The iconic Triton statue at the entrance of Pena Palace. This mythological figure, half-man and half-fish, emerges from an arch, appearing to hold up the balcony above. Created by Portuguese sculptor António Teixeira Lopes, the Triton is a prime example of the palace's Romanticist style and symbolizes the fusion of man and nature central to the palace's design philosophy.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Triton statue at Pena Palace in Sintra is a striking embodiment of 19th-century Romanticism. Positioned at the palace's entrance, this sculpture depicts the mythological sea creature emerging from beneath an ornate arch, his muscular arms seemingly supporting the weight of the balcony above. The Triton's detailed features - from his bearded face to his scaly fish tail - showcase the skill of sculptor António Teixeira Lopes. The figure's dynamic pose and expressive countenance create a sense of movement and vitality, drawing visitors into the fantastical world of Pena Palace. This sculpture is more than mere decoration; it represents the Romantic ideals that inspired the palace's creation. The Triton, a creature of both land and sea, symbolizes the harmonious blend of human architecture with the natural world - a key theme throughout Pena Palace and its surrounding park. The statue's placement at the entrance serves as a theatrical welcome, setting the tone for the whimsical and eclectic architectural mix visitors will encounter within. Its weathered stone surface, touched by decades of Atlantic mists, adds to the palace's fairy-tale atmosphere. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, the Triton statue stands as a testament to the artistic vision of King Ferdinand II and the enduring appeal of Romantic aesthetics in Portuguese culture.
Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: Pena Palace, Sintra, Lisbon, Portugal
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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