Dolphin Fountain Element 1700 - 1800

This anonymous drawing, dated 1700-1800, is a design for a fountain element, likely a spout or nozzle. The drawing depicts a stylized dolphin, its body elaborately decorated with rococo-like ornamentation and its tail curled upward, creating a sense of movement and energy. The dolphin’s mouth is open and a stream of water flows out, illustrating its intended function as a spout. This detail suggests the drawing was part of a larger design for a fountain, possibly for a garden or public space. The drawing is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.