Trappen en fontein 1731 - 1761

Gabriel Huquier etched this print, “Stairs and Fountain,” in the 18th century. Notice the oval frame, adorned with acanthus leaves, flowers, and the scene within: it evokes a sense of classical elegance. The fountain, a source of life and purification, has been a recurring symbol throughout art history. Here, it is not merely a decorative element, but rather a source of movement and transformation, placed prominently at the base of the stairs. Think of Botticelli's "Birth of Venus," where water symbolizes the genesis of life and beauty. The symbolism of water extends beyond mere physical necessity, touching on our deepest subconscious understanding of renewal. Stairs leading to higher ground are prominent here. This ascent invites contemplation on how symbols persist, change, and re-emerge across cultures, mirroring our own path of understanding.