Fontein met Neptunus op zijn strijdwagen before 1800

This print, titled "Fountain with Neptune on his Chariot," was made by an anonymous artist. The image depicts Neptune, god of the sea, riding triumphantly in his chariot, drawn by magnificent horses emerging from the water. The fountain and formal garden behind it suggest a controlled, idealized version of nature. In the social context of the time, depictions of mythological figures like Neptune often served as allegories for power, wealth, and control over the natural world. The artist's choice of Neptune, a powerful male figure, embodies themes of dominance and authority. The fountain itself symbolizes abundance and prosperity, reflecting the values of a society that often privileged displays of wealth. The rigid structure of the garden and the controlled flow of water contrast with the fluid and dynamic depiction of Neptune and his horses, creating a tension between order and untamed power. Consider how the artist uses classical mythology and the structured landscape to convey messages about social status and control. The print invites us to reflect on the ways in which art reinforces or challenges prevailing norms.