Gezicht op een laan en fonteinen in de tuin van Kasteel Rosendael 1718

Jan Smit’s print captures a view of the Rosendael Castle gardens. The long, straight lines of the canals and pathways draw the eye, and the fountains punctuate the scene. Water, here, is more than just a decorative element; it's a symbol of life, purity, and transformation. Consider the symbolism of water in other eras. From ancient Roman baths to Renaissance fountains, water has always signified power, cleansing, and the life-giving force of nature. In religious contexts, water is used for baptisms, rituals of purification, and symbols of spiritual rebirth. The way water is presented here, channeled and controlled, also reflects a very human desire to control nature. Like the serpent, water is both revered and feared. Its containment becomes a demonstration of man's dominance. In this garden scene, water engages our subconscious on a primal level, reminding us of our constant negotiation with nature. Water has resurfaced through the ages, constantly evolving, and acquiring new meaning.