Fountain Figures 17th century

This 17th-century drawing by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, titled "Fountain Figures," depicts three figures emerging from the sea. The figures are likely a preliminary study for a larger fountain sculpture, a common theme in Bernini's work. The central figure is a woman, seated, with her arms raised. To her right, a man emerges from the water with a leafy branch in his hand. On the left, a horse-like creature emerges from the waves, its mouth open as if to spew forth water. This drawing, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, showcases Bernini's mastery of capturing movement and emotion through line and composition.