Fontein van Encelade in de tuin van Versailles 1715

This print of the Fountain of Enceladus at Versailles was made by Quiryn Fonbonne. Versailles was the grand project of Louis XIV, a monument to his power and vision of absolute monarchy. This image offers a window into the cultural and political landscape of 18th-century France. Fonbonne's print captures not just the fountain, but the very essence of royal authority and the spectacle of power. Through visual codes and historical associations, the image creates meaning by alluding to classical mythology as well as contemporary politics. Enceladus, the giant buried beneath Mount Etna, represents the crushing of dissent under Louis's reign. To truly understand this print, we would need to delve into the archives of Versailles, explore accounts of court life, and trace the political symbolism employed by Louis XIV. By doing so, we can better appreciate the complex interplay between art, power, and society in 18th-century France.