Drie bassins boven elkaar 1664

This print of a fountain design was made by an anonymous artist using etching and engraving, then colored by hand. Consider how the print medium would have influenced its appearance. The etched lines define the form, from the cascading water to the fantastical faces spouting it. The hand-applied color brings a sense of vibrancy, and the range of hues on a single form creates a sense of depth. But it is the printmaking process that gives this image particular cultural significance. The techniques of etching and engraving were developed in the context of mass production. These printing processes allowed for the relatively quick and efficient creation of images, making art and design accessible to a wider audience. This print, therefore, represents not just a design for a fountain, but also the democratizing potential of reproducible media. It challenges traditional notions of art as a unique, handcrafted object.