Design for a Wine Fountain 1770 - 1816

Henri Auguste designed this wine fountain with pen and gray ink, and gray wash in the late 18th or early 19th century, a period when classical forms experienced a revival. Dominating the fountain's base are the faces of river gods. These figures, with their flowing beards and serene expressions, are not merely decorative. They are symbols of abundance, fertility, and the life-giving force of water. Consider the ancient Greeks, who depicted gods like Poseidon with similar attributes, embodying their power over the aquatic realm. The river god motif resurfaces in Roman fountains and Renaissance sculptures, evolving through time. The image of flowing water also plays a psychological role. It speaks to our collective unconscious, evoking the life force and the ever-changing nature of existence. Ultimately, this design reminds us of the cyclical nature of symbols. A constant flow of cultural memory. It also embodies the spirit of renewal and transformation across time.