Gezicht op de Peter-de-Grotebron te Spa 1833

Théodore Fourmois created this view of the Peter the Great Fountain in Spa using lithography. The fountain, with its classical columns, evokes the architectural grandeur of ancient Roman bathhouses. The colonnade, a symbol of civilization and order, calls to mind the temples of antiquity. Yet, its placement in a public square, surrounded by figures engaged in leisurely pursuits, infuses it with a sense of everyday life, similar to how we see it in depictions of ancient forums. The rhythmic repetition of columns can be traced back to Egyptian temples, where rows of pillars signified power and stability. Consider how the columns in Spa, while aesthetically pleasing, also serve a practical purpose, providing shelter and a gathering place. This dual functionality mirrors humanity's deep-seated need for both beauty and utility, intertwining art and life. Such a confluence stirs collective memories, inviting reflection on how we shape our environments and, in turn, how they shape us.