Twee fonteinen onder elkaar 1664

This hand-colored engraving depicts two fountain designs and was created by an anonymous artist. The fountains present contrasting figures: a bearded man, possibly Neptune or a river god, reclines above; below him is a female figure with a headdress, holding fruit. The figures are framed by arching jets of water, creating intimate, theatrical spaces. Given the historical context, these fountains reflect early modern Europe's fascination with classical mythology and garden design. The gendering of the fountains invites a dialogue between masculinity and femininity, nature and culture. These fountains were undoubtedly intended to evoke emotional responses, inviting viewers to consider themes of abundance and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. The anonymous nature of the work underscores the complex relationships between identity, art, and societal expectations.