Waterfontein met Neptunus in zijn strijdwagen c. 1655 - 1678

This is an etching of a water fountain adorned with Neptune in his chariot, made by an anonymous artist. Though the artist is unknown, the work evokes the socio-political climate of its time. The elaborate fountain, a symbol of power and wealth, invites us to consider how such displays of opulence intersect with the lives of those often unseen. Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, presides over the scene, a figure of mastery and control. But whose mastery, and at what cost? The water, a life-giving force, flows from a vessel decorated with symbols of dominance. This juxtaposition asks us to reflect on the complex relationship between power, privilege, and access to essential resources. Consider the hands that crafted this intricate design, and those who toiled to maintain the gardens in the background. Their stories, though absent from the surface, are vital to understanding the full picture. As you reflect on this image, consider the narratives it subtly silences, and whose voices are not represented.