Trumeau met Neptunus en fontein 1670 - 1678

Jean Berain rendered this drawing of Neptune and a fountain using pen and grey ink. Here, Neptune, God of the Sea, emerges triumphantly, surrounded by sea creatures and abundant flowing water, a symbol of life, purification, and the unconscious depths of the soul. Consider how the dolphin, frequently associated with Neptune, reappears across centuries, from ancient Greek pottery to Renaissance fountains, acting as a motif that carries layers of meaning. Initially, the dolphin symbolized guidance and salvation for seafarers, and over time, this imagery has evolved into a symbol of playfulness and intelligence. Reflect on the deep, psychological resonance of water, a primal element. Fountains aren't merely decorative; they evoke a sense of tranquility, mirroring the fluidity of our emotions and memories. The cyclical nature of water—evaporation, condensation, and precipitation—echoes the continuous, non-linear progression of cultural symbols. These motifs have resurfaced and evolved, taking on new meanings in vastly different historical contexts.