Plein met Neptunusfontein 1568

This engraving of a square with a Neptune fountain was made in the late 16th century by Joannes van Doetechum. Dominating the scene is the statue of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, a symbol of power and control over the aquatic realm. The figure of Neptune can be seen in antiquity and later Renaissance works, reborn from classical antiquity, but here, this symbol of power and dominion takes on a different nuance. The fountain, a public amenity, transforms Neptune into a symbol of civic pride and abundance. The image of water, central to Neptune’s identity, has always held a deep psychological significance. As a life-giving force, it’s connected to subconscious desires and fears. Representations of Neptune tap into these primal emotions, engaging the viewer on a subconscious level. The non-linear progression of this symbol has resurfaced and evolved in various historical contexts, continuously taking on new meanings.