Neptune rising from the sea and bearing a staff, accompanied by two horse-headed sea creatures, reverse copy after a series of engravings by Cherubino Alberti of mythological scenes after Polidoro da Caravaggio

Polidoro da Caravaggio was an Italian Renaissance painter and architect. He was born in Caravaggio, Italy, around 1499 and is believed to have trained under the painter Andrea del Sarto in Florence. Polidoro is best known for his frescoes, which often depict mythological scenes and are characterised by vivid colours and dramatic compositions. He worked mainly in Rome, where he collaborated with the artist Maturino da Firenze on several projects, including the decoration of the Villa Farnesina. In addition to his work as a painter, Polidoro was also an accomplished architect. He designed several buildings in Rome, including the Palazzo Milesi and the Palazzo Caprini. Polidoro died in 1543, aged 44, and his work had a significant influence on later artists, particularly those working in the Baroque style.