Design for a Table Fountain
Original title: Design for a Table Fountain
kurzbeschreibung
A table fountain with an ornate column, topped by a small male figure, appears in this anonymous German design from the 16th century. The sheet is executed in pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk.
Description
A small standing male figure crowns a central column decorated with foliage and ornament. From this column, water trickles into an oval fountain basin, itself embellished. The design is in brown ink with wash, the wash emphasizing the shadowed areas. Along the edge, measurements can be made out, and the paper shows slight signs of age.
Context
Table fountains served in the 16th century as display pieces on festive tables. Designs like this were often made by goldsmiths or craftsmen to give clients an idea of the planned object. That the drawing has come down to us anonymously is typical of such utilitarian graphics.
Impact
Delicate penwork and soft wash give the sheet a clear yet painterly feel. The density of ornament and the symmetrical layout evoke the impression of a splendid courtly work of art.
Technique
Pen and brown ink over an underdrawing in black chalk form the basis. The brown wash sets shadowed areas and gives the design depth, while the pen drawing precisely records the details of the ornaments.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)