Bassin en mobiele waterfontein in cartouche c. 1657 - 1661

Editor: We are looking at "Bassin en mobiele waterfontein in cartouche," an engraving dating back to the late 1650s by Jean Lepautre, held at the Rijksmuseum. The detailed rendering in the print and the figures give the scene a feeling of stepping back in time, as if entering a royal courtyard. How do you see this print, Professor? Curator: Primarily, I see a meticulous arrangement of forms. Notice how the strong diagonal lines of the cartouche frame converge, guiding the eye into the receding space. This is juxtaposed with the rounded forms of the fountains themselves. We can delve into how Lepautre uses line weight and density to define space, can't we? Editor: You are right; it’s a very graphic framing of the scene that creates dynamism. And what do you think about the fountain within a fountain motif? Curator: It presents a hierarchy of visual interest, does it not? The smaller basin draws immediate attention with its darker values and figure interacting with the water. While, visually, the cartouche frame's grotesque masks and vegetal forms enhance a formal appreciation for ornate Baroque sensibilities through contrasts in texture and relief. Do you think the artist is trying to portray hierarchy of the social classes as well? Editor: Yes, the figures on the balcony seem of noble stature, separated from the labourer near the fountain, although it isn't fully clear. It definitely gives a different angle to thinking about what composes the scene and the use of contrast between details and negative space! Curator: Precisely! By focusing on these inherent elements and formal qualities we unlock interpretive possibilities and expand our perspective on the image.