Design for a Wall Fountain 1550 - 1620

This anonymous drawing from the 16th or 17th century is a design for a wall fountain. It depicts two female figures holding aloft a vase filled with a small tree. This design includes intricate details like scrolling foliage, shells, and two dogs at the base of the fountain. The artist's meticulous use of line and shading helps visualize the proposed fountain's texture and depth. The drawing's focus on ornamental elements is typical of the Mannerist style popular in the 16th century. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York houses this significant example of Italian Renaissance design.