Fountain c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Androuet Du Cerceau’s drawing, "Fountain." It's hard to date exactly, but he lived from 1510 to 1585. It’s a detailed rendering, but also feels aspirational. What's your take on this piece? Curator: It’s a fascinating document of power and privilege. Consider the fountain itself - a symbol of control over nature, water redirected for aesthetic pleasure. How might this resonate with contemporary discussions about environmental justice and access to resources? Editor: So, beyond just being pretty, it speaks to larger social issues? Curator: Exactly. The fountain becomes a stage for exploring themes of dominance, class, and the historical relationship between humanity and the natural world. What do you think about the lack of a specific date? Does this impact your interpretation? Editor: It does. It makes it feel less tied to a specific moment, more like a timeless concept. Curator: Precisely! And that timelessness allows us to continually question its relevance in our ever-changing world.