Fonteinen met putti 1672 - 1686

This delicate drawing of fountains with putti was made by Louis de Châtillon. The composition invites us into a world of classical fountains inhabited by playful putti, rendered with fine lines and subtle tonal gradations. The artist employs a symmetrical arrangement, with each fountain carefully balanced, creating a sense of harmony and order. The verticality of the water jets contrasts with the rounded forms of the basins and the corpulent figures of the putti. These create a dynamic interplay between the static architectural elements and the lively, organic forms. Châtillon uses hatching and cross-hatching to model the forms and create a sense of depth. This technique imbues the stone and water with a palpable texture. The symbolism is rich, with putti, traditional symbols of love and innocence, frolicking amidst the fountains, evoking themes of purity, abundance and the life-giving power of water. This is reinforced through an elegant and refined style, reflecting the values of the classical tradition.