Christus als fontein des levens (Fons Vitae) 1575

Editor: We're looking at "Christus als fontein des levens (Fons Vitae)," or "Christ as the Fountain of Life," a 1575 engraving by Johann Sadeler I. It’s incredibly detailed! The figures seem to emerge from the page. What do you see in this piece, that maybe I'm missing at first glance? Curator: Well, the title itself hints at layers of meaning. "Fons Vitae," the Fountain of Life, immediately evokes themes of renewal, spiritual sustenance. See how Christ stands atop the fountain? His posture, one hand on his chest and another holding a cross, seems to me like a offering of both sacrifice and grace. I find it fascinating that the biblical scholars or evangelists shown are writing or holding texts, almost as if they're recording this divine moment for posterity. Editor: Right, I also notice the crowd scene in the background that seems to me almost dreamlike. The stark contrast between the figures in the foreground and the hazy background contributes to that too. Why include them? Curator: A detail indeed, it could be understood as representative of humanity thirsting for spiritual fulfillment. Look closer -- do those background structures remind you of anything? Perhaps, the tents of Israelites wandering the desert, searching for their promised land? These little details really expand the artwork's thematic layers, inviting you into it! How does that affect how you see the piece? Editor: Ah, I get it, I think I had limited it to my own context instead of relating it to Biblical contexts. This also helps tie in the print's biblical inscriptions... it really is a complex print! I’ll never look at it the same way again. Curator: Isn’t it great? It is through these connections across time that old art truly remains forever new.