Adelaarfontein in de tuin van Villa d'Este te Tivoli Possibly 1670 - 1717

Pieter Schenk created this print of the Adelaarfontein in the garden of Villa d'Este in Tivoli. The balanced composition divides the scene horizontally into distinct layers: sky, trees, and garden. This layered effect creates a sense of depth, drawing the viewer's eye from the foreground to the distant horizon. The Villa d’Este gardens, known for their elaborate fountains, exemplify a fascination with transforming nature into art. Here Schenk has captured the interplay between organic forms and structured design. Notice the symmetrical arrangement of the garden's pathways and the formal placement of plants, which contrasts with the more naturalistic depiction of the trees and sky. Schenk employs linear perspective to enhance the illusion of depth and order. The orderly arrangement of garden elements reflects the values of rationality and control characteristic of the period, where the garden becomes a stage for social display and intellectual engagement.