Young Girls at a Fountain (recto); Fragment of Sketch of Legs (verso) c. 1790 - 1847

Johann Christian Reinhart rendered this ink and wash drawing, titled *Young Girls at a Fountain*, with a classical sensibility. The motif of nymphs gathered at a fountain carries echoes of ancient rituals and a reverence for nature's life-giving force. The fountain, a recurring symbol throughout art history, from ancient Roman mosaics to Renaissance paintings, represents purification and renewal. Here, the figures draw water, an action that is both practical and symbolic. This act mirrors similar scenes across various periods and cultures, signifying not just physical cleansing but spiritual rebirth and the cyclical nature of life. Consider the emotional weight of this image. The fountain, acting as a communal space, embodies the collective memory of humanity’s reliance on water. Such images are etched into our subconscious, and it's this enduring quality that allows them to resonate so deeply. The symbol’s evolution through time reveals humanity's continuous engagement with fundamental life processes. The fountain, as a place of gathering and reflection, resurfaces time and again.