Fontein met staande figuren en vaas 1731 - 1761

Gabriel Huquier created this print of a fountain with standing figures and a vase sometime in the 18th century. It depicts an elaborate fountain design, framed within an ornate, decorative border. This kind of image speaks to the social and cultural values of the time, particularly in France. The fountain, a symbol of wealth and technological advancement, is rendered in meticulous detail, emphasizing its grandeur. The elaborate frame further enhances the sense of luxury and refinement, reflecting the aristocratic tastes of the era. Notice the symmetry and the classical motifs, elements deeply rooted in the institutional history of art academies. The print also illustrates the politics of imagery, as it served to promote the image of powerful patrons who commissioned such elaborate garden features. Understanding this print requires delving into the history of garden design, the economics of printmaking, and the social hierarchies of 18th-century France.