Grote fontein in de tuin van Huis ter Meer te Maarssen c. 1740

Hendrik de Leth created this print of the Grote Fontein in the garden of Huis ter Meer using etching, a process where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then inked and printed. The stark contrast and fine lines, typical of etching, lend a formal, almost artificial quality to the garden scene. This aesthetic neatly aligns with the social context of the time, where carefully designed gardens were status symbols for the wealthy elite. Consider the labor involved: the precise planning of the garden layout, the sculptural work of the fountain, and the maintenance required, all speak to a society with a clear division of labor and resources. The very act of rendering the garden in print allows the artist to communicate the patron's taste and wealth, and invite others to emulate it. Ultimately, this print isn't just a picture, but a material record of a specific time and place, reflecting a complex interplay of art, labor, and social aspiration.