Water 1625 - 1635

"Water" is an etching by Abraham Bosse, created between 1625 and 1635, and now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The print depicts a man in elaborate attire standing beside a fountain, his outstretched hand emphasizing the flowing water. This allegorical scene highlights the essential role of water in sustaining life, a theme explored in other works of the 17th century. Bosse's masterful use of line and shading renders a detailed and naturalistic composition, characteristic of the Baroque era. The inclusion of the inscription "LEAV" and the accompanying text further emphasizes the importance of water for agricultural prosperity.