The Fountain of the Graces 1737

Gabriel Huquier’s 1737 etching, “The Fountain of the Graces,” is a stunning example of Rococo art. The composition features a central fountain, where three female figures, representing the Graces, stand on a column, their bodies gracefully intertwined as they hold a large, ornate urn. At the base of the fountain, a reclining, scaly figure, seemingly a merman, rests within a large scallop shell, with two lions flanking the shell. The intricate details and delicate lines of the etching create a sense of elegance and refinement, reflecting the Rococo style’s emphasis on playful ornamentation and graceful forms. This piece was part of a larger series of engravings depicting fountains of the Parisian royal gardens and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.