Drawing of a Fountain 1500 - 1600

This drawing of a fountain was anonymously made with pen and brown ink, with gray wash on cream laid paper. It proposes a sculpture in the Mannerist style. During the 16th century, fountains came to symbolize the power and wealth of those who commissioned them, such as royal families or powerful cardinals. The institutions of power were embedded in the art itself. Through visual codes, this drawing presents a very specific social class and their refined artistic tastes. Note that fountain design emerged as an important element of garden design throughout Europe. The country in which this drawing was made is unknown, but the writing at the top is in French. To better understand the meaning of this drawing, scholars consult not only art historical literature, but also primary source documents like letters, inventories, and contracts, to provide insight into the cultural values of the past.