Neptuno, Bronze statue in Melenara, Spain.
Neptuno is a bronze statue positioned on rocky outcrops at Melenara beach, depicting the sea god in a pose facing the Atlantic Ocean. The figure lacks the trident typically associated with this deity.
The statue was commissioned to commemorate the defeat of Sir Francis Drake in a 1595 battle that took place at this beach. It stands as a reminder of that significant naval encounter in the region's history.
The sculptor Luis Arencibia created this representation showing Neptune without his trident, linking the sculpture to the maritime character of the coast. The work reflects how this community connects with the sea through its public art.
The statue sits on rocky terrain directly accessible from Melenara beach, with views across the Atlantic. Best viewing conditions occur when walking along the shore during lower tide, when the rocks are more exposed.
The statue's right hand is missing, worn away by salt spray, waves, and weathering over time. This absence has become part of the sculpture's character, making it a living record of the ocean's forces.
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