Latonavijver in de tuinen van Versailles 1870 - 1890

This photograph captures the Latona Fountain in the gardens of Versailles. A symbol of divine motherhood, Latona was a Titan goddess, mother of Apollo and Diana. The fountain depicts the moment from Ovid's Metamorphoses when Latona, fleeing the wrath of Juno, pleads with the Lycian peasants for water, only to be scorned. As punishment, Jupiter transforms them into frogs and other creatures, often represented as humans turning into amphibians, and other beasts, a warning against hubris and cruelty. Consider the fluidity of form as a metaphor for transformation, found in countless myths across cultures. The metamorphosis motif resonates deeply in art history. The symbolic transformation of humans into animals echoes similar themes found in ancient Egyptian art, where gods often possessed animal heads, representing specific attributes. This enduring fascination with transformation reflects humanity’s subconscious desire to understand change and the interconnectedness of all living things. The Latona Fountain encapsulates this sentiment, reminding us of the cyclical nature of power, revenge, and renewal.