Oud waterreservoir in de omgeving van Lac de Lentini 1778

This print by Louis Mayer depicts an old water reservoir near Lac de Lentini. The stone blocks forming the reservoir would have been extracted through quarrying, a labor-intensive process that often involved the exploitation of workers. The print captures the sheer scale of the reservoir, supported by rows of columns. The rough texture of the stone is evident, emphasizing its weight and solidity. The play of light and shadow within the reservoir hints at the dampness and coolness of the space, essential for water storage. Notice the way the artist has used hatching and cross-hatching to convey the depth and volume of the reservoir, creating a sense of being inside this massive structure. The construction of such a reservoir would have required the expertise of skilled stonemasons and engineers, whose knowledge and craftsmanship were essential to ensuring its structural integrity and functionality. Ultimately, this image serves as a reminder of the labor, skill, and resources involved in creating essential infrastructure, blurring the lines between art, utility, and social history.