Le Bassin d'Apollon 

Jean-Baptiste Rigaud's "Le Bassin d'Apollon" presents a meticulously structured landscape through the medium of engraving. The composition is dominated by a symmetrical arrangement of fountains, trees and figures, creating a sense of order and control. The lines are precise, delineating each element with clarity, from the cascading water to the neatly arranged trees. This precision extends to the depiction of the figures, each rendered with attention to detail and arranged to guide the viewer's eye through the space. The play of light and shadow, achieved through delicate hatching, adds depth and texture to the scene. The formal structure reflects the values of the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason and order over the natural world. Rigaud uses the semiotic system of landscape design to convey ideas of power, beauty, and the taming of nature. The ordered arrangement invites contemplation on the relationship between humanity and the environment, while the medium itself, engraving, signifies a desire for permanence and control over representation.