Fountain c. 20th century

Curator: Hans Meid's print, titled "Fountain," presents an enigmatic gathering of figures around a classical water feature. Editor: The density of the etching creates an air of mystery, doesn't it? Like a half-remembered dream of nymphs and hidden rituals. Curator: Given the era, it's hard not to read these nude figures in relation to broader power dynamics—who is afforded leisure, and who is excluded? The fountain itself becomes a contested space. Editor: Fountains have long been symbols of cleansing, renewal, even paradise. But here, amidst the dense foliage, that symbolism seems complicated, almost…overgrown. Curator: Exactly. The figures are partially obscured, raising questions about visibility and representation. Editor: It’s a scene steeped in layered meanings. I appreciate the way this work prompts us to consider both the weight of history and its ongoing relevance.