Spelen rond de fontein c. 1545 - 1640

Pieter van der Borcht’s engraving, “Spelen rond de fontein”, captures a lighthearted scene set in a formal garden. The printmaking process is crucial here. Notice the fine, precise lines that define the architecture and figures. The artist used a technique known as "engraving," cutting lines into a metal plate with a tool called a burin. Ink is then applied, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the incised lines. The plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Consider how much labor and skill went into this process. Each line is a deliberate act, reflecting the values of precision and control. The garden itself, with its geometric patterns and manicured plants, mirrors this same desire for order and mastery over nature. Yet, the playful scene of children and adults hints at the inherent tension between control and the joyful, unruly aspects of life. It's a reminder that even within the most structured environments, there is always room for spontaneity and freedom.