The Fountain of Hercules in Augsburg, a reduced copy afer Muller's engraving 1602

Jan Muller created this reduced copy after Muller's engraving, *The Fountain of Hercules in Augsburg*, at the turn of the 17th century. It offers us a glimpse into the civic pride and cultural values of the German Renaissance. Hercules, the Roman hero, stands powerfully at the fountain's apex, a figure of strength and virtue, poised to strike. The fountain, beyond its aesthetic appeal, served as a public utility, a gathering place, and a symbol of Augsburg’s prosperity. Yet, such displays of grandeur were not without their contradictions. Who had access to this prosperity? And whose labor sustained it? This image exists as a copy of a copy, highlighting the power of printmaking to disseminate ideas and representations across Europe. It invites us to reflect on how images shape our understanding of history and perpetuate particular narratives. Ultimately, this print prompts us to consider the complex interplay between public image and private realities in the past and the present.