Fontein en Bacchus op een ton c. 1600

Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum created this engraving, "Fountain with Bacchus on a barrel," and it now resides in the Rijksmuseum. During the Renaissance, fountains were more than mere sources of water; they were grand displays of wealth and power. This piece captures that ambition, depicting a lavish fountain adorned with classical motifs and topped with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, astride a barrel. What does it mean to celebrate a male god of drunken revelry? Consider how representations of the body, desire, and excess played into societal norms, particularly those related to masculinity and elite status. The fountain becomes a stage where social hierarchies and cultural values were reinforced. Who was allowed to partake in its offerings? What did it mean to be excluded? This engraving offers a glimpse into the intricate dance between art, identity, and the prevailing currents of the time.