Design for a fountain with a seated nymph at left and triton holding a shell to his mouth at right 1768

Charles Hutin designed this fountain with etching in the 18th century. The design reflects the Rococo period's appreciation for mythological subjects and ornamental flourishes. The seated nymph and triton evoke classical antiquity, yet the artist's interpretation is unique. This was a period of rigid social hierarchies and gender norms. The nymph, as a semi-divine female figure, has a compelling tension. She is depicted as both sensual and submissive, embodying the era’s complex attitudes towards female sexuality and power. The triton, a male sea deity, balances the composition, with water flowing from his shell. The juxtaposition of these figures symbolizes the gendering of nature. The fountain design blends fantasy with aristocratic taste, reflecting the emotional and aesthetic values of the French court during the 1700s. Hutin invites us to reflect on the narratives and ideologies embedded in the art of his time.