Fontein met Leda en de zwaan 1664

This engraving shows a fountain with Leda and the Swan, made by an anonymous artist. Created through the intricate process of etching, it speaks to the valued tradition of printmaking as a means of disseminating designs across Europe. The choice of etching allows for finely detailed lines, seen in the elaborate depictions of figures and ornamental motifs throughout. Look closely, and you will see Leda and the Swan on top, with cherubic figures holding aloft water ewers, and fantastical sea creatures. It is easy to imagine artisans drawing inspiration from this print, interpreting and translating its imagery into three-dimensional objects, across various materials and making traditions. In this way, prints like this supported a much wider world of creative production. Considering the materials, processes, and social context of an artwork like this, helps us appreciate the interconnected web of artistry that existed in the pre-industrial age.