Bassin van Neptunus in de tuin van Versailles c. 1715

Marguerin Daigremont created this print of the Bassin van Neptunus in the garden of Versailles. The print serves as a historical record and glimpse into the cultural values of the time. The Bassin van Neptunus, or Neptune Fountain, was constructed during the reign of Louis XIV, a period marked by the consolidation of absolute monarchy and the expansion of French cultural influence. Versailles itself was not just a palace, but a stage upon which Louis XIV performed his power. The gardens, with their elaborate fountains and sculptures, were integral to this performance. The gardens reflected a highly structured social hierarchy where access and visibility were carefully controlled, reinforcing the status of the elite. Fountains like the Bassin van Neptunus, with their mythological themes, also served to legitimize royal authority by associating the King with classical ideals of power and virtue. It presents a highly idealized and controlled vision of nature and society, reflecting the values of the French court.