Twee fonteinen onder elkaar 1664

This is an anonymous engraving and etching with watercolor, titled *Twee fonteinen onder elkaar*, which translates to ‘Two fountains below each other.’ Images of fountains such as this one were popular in the Netherlands in the 17th century. During this time, the Dutch Golden Age saw a surge in wealth and trade. The fountains, often found in gardens of the wealthy, symbolized status and luxury. The two fountains in this image, are each topped with figures drawn from mythology. The upper fountain features a classical child wrestling with a snake, while the lower one has a figure accompanied by a dolphin or sea monster. These choices reflect an era that turned to classical antiquity in search of aesthetic and cultural ideals. The use of watercolor adds to the image’s appeal, making it both a practical design and a piece of art meant to evoke feelings of sophistication. Through its detailed depiction and cultural symbolism, this engraving gives us a peek into the values and tastes of a society that was both celebrating and shaping its identity.