Tuinpaviljoen en fontein c. 1650

This garden pavilion and fountain was made by an anonymous artist. The statue of what appears to be a nude female figure is the dominant visual symbol here, and the overall design reflects a profound interest in classical antiquity. The statue's pose reminds me of the Venus Pudica, a classical motif where Venus covers her genitalia with her hand. This gesture appears as early as the 4th century BC. It embodies modesty and a sense of vulnerability, but over time, it can also evoke desire. We see this figure in Botticelli's "Birth of Venus." Though her hand covers her, the sensuality is undeniable. This interplay of modesty and allure continues, resurfacing even in modern advertisements. The image touches on the delicate balance between purity and desire. It is a potent symbol, revealing deep-seated anxieties and longings that continue to affect us today.