Fontein naar links gekeerd c. 1657 - 1661

This is Jean Lepautre's "Fontein naar links gekeerd", a print of around 1660, now held in the Rijksmuseum. The composition presents a complex scene dominated by two elaborate fountains, around which figures gather in a grand, classical setting. The scene is intricately rendered, employing fine lines to create a sense of depth and texture, typical of the Baroque period. Lepautre uses a semiotic system to communicate status, where the fountains serve as signs of wealth. The structure suggests a visual dialogue about the nature of spectacle and power, reflecting philosophical inquiries into perception and representation. Consider the artist's use of line and form. The symmetry and detail are not merely decorative; they actively participate in a cultural discourse about luxury and design during the era of Louis XIV. The print challenges the viewer to consider how such displays were integral to constructing and maintaining social hierarchies.