Tafelfontein met rolwerk en grotesken 1490 - 1540

Nicolas Haslins created this print of a table fountain, a "Tafelfontein," using etching techniques. The print presents a symmetrical design dominated by intricate details and a play between organic and geometric forms. It invites us to think about the dialogue between form and function. The fountain is structured in distinct tiers, each exhibiting layers of complexity, from the base to the basin, and finally, the tabletop. Zoomorphic figures support each level, blurring the lines between natural and artificial elements. This fusion disrupts conventional classifications, suggesting a world where nature and artifice merge, creating a semiotic system where the grotesque symbolizes transformation and hybridity. Note how the structure seems to challenge fixed meanings by destabilizing traditional notions of utility and ornamentation. By deconstructing familiar forms, it allows us to see the potential for endless reinterpretation.