Fontein in de tuin van Vincenzo Giustiniani 1636 - 1647

Valérien Regnard's fountain drawing, realized around the mid-17th century, showcases a sculptural ensemble dominated by classical motifs. Consider the eagle atop the structure, a symbol of power and imperial authority since Roman times, often linked to Jupiter, king of the gods. Notice how this symbol has traveled through time; from adorning Roman standards to the heraldic emblems of European empires, its essence remains tied to dominion. Here, it watches over a grotto scene with a reclining figure, possibly a river god, a classical trope seen in countless fountains and garden sculptures since antiquity. This motif echoes through Renaissance and Baroque art, embodying nature's abundance and the life-giving force of water. Such recurring symbols are not mere aesthetic choices. They tap into a deep well of collective memory, evoking a sense of continuity with the past and engaging us on a subconscious level. Like the images from dreams, they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts, constantly shaping and reshaping our understanding of the world.