Monumentale fontein met Neptunus c. 1650

Curator: This engraving, “Monumentale fontein met Neptunus,” dating to about 1650, presents a baroque fountain as captured by an anonymous artist now in the Rijksmuseum collection. Editor: What strikes me immediately is its formality, almost severe in its controlled space. The monochrome heightens the contrast, really emphasizing the lines and intricate details of the fountain. Curator: Indeed, these formal gardens served as displays of power. Note the positioning of Neptune himself atop the cascading fountain; it's not just decorative. The fountain itself probably served a vital purpose of access to clean water. This, positioned in an environment meticulously controlled by the aristocracy, communicated their dominance. Editor: The use of line here is superb. The engraver uses incredibly fine, close lines to build form and shadow, achieving a marvelous sense of depth. Notice how the fountain creatures morph almost seamlessly out of a rough hewn stony mound. And then consider how Neptune himself holds this somewhat tense pose: legs braced against the water urn below. Curator: Consider, also, who likely had access to these views. The lower classes may have been relegated to entering this space only as labourers. Images such as this would re-emphasize these roles in society, placing viewers in the symbolic landscape of aristocracy, reminding the wealthy viewer of their place at the top of society. Editor: Even so, looking beyond that function, the piece shows us what Baroque art achieved by its intense layering of figurative work, flora, architectural geometries, all drawn and printed by skilled hand. Curator: Very true. The layers speak to different purposes for diverse audiences. From one angle it reifies a rigid structure in society. From another, we recognize artistry with aesthetic pleasures. Editor: I think that’s right. What we see isn’t simply a record, but something intended to communicate at several levels at once.