Zeshoekig bassin op verhoging met trappen 1664

This engraving shows a hexagonal basin on an elevation with stairs. Though made by an anonymous artist, its intricate structure and decorative elements offer a glimpse into the aesthetic sensibilities of its time. Notice how the artist meticulously renders the fountain's multi-tiered structure, emphasizing its geometric precision and symmetry. The choice of a hexagonal shape for the basin immediately signals a departure from more conventional forms, suggesting an interest in complexity and innovation. The figure of Hercules atop the fountain is not merely decorative but becomes a focal point through which the viewer is invited to consider power, mythology, and their representation in art. The composition creates a visual hierarchy, where each level of the fountain contributes to an overarching sense of order and balance. This careful arrangement is characteristic of formalist approaches that value structural integrity and visual harmony, creating a dialogue between form and meaning.