Fontein met zeepaarden 1661

Jean Lepautre created this etching of a fountain with seahorses in the mid-17th century. The print reflects the grandeur and theatricality characteristic of the Baroque period. Lepautre was working in a society deeply structured by class and power, where art often served as a display of wealth. The fountain, with its cascading water and mythical figures, embodies a desire for spectacle that catered to aristocratic tastes. The image of seahorses and classical figures reflects a cultural fascination with antiquity, typical of the period. The fountain is brought to life through the artist's skilled rendering of texture and form. It’s easy to imagine the cool spray of the fountain on a hot day, the sound of water filling the air. This etching reminds us how art can serve as both a reflection of societal values and an invitation to engage our senses.