Artwork
Frontispiece for "Fountains"
Frontispiece for "Fountains" is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean-Laurent Legeay. It dates from 1768 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
The artist carved this image using a sharp tool to scratch into metal—a method that lets ink fill the lines for a detailed, almost painterly look.
This print shows a fancy fountain topped with a big, ornate vase and a crown-like structure. Below it, a lion’s head spouts water into a wide basin. Trees and rocks frame the scene, with smaller statues tucked in the corners. The text on the fountain reads in Italian and Latin, but the key words are "Fontane" (fountains) and the year 1768.
The artist carved this image using a sharp tool to scratch into metal—a method that lets ink fill the lines for a detailed, almost painterly look. The tiny details in the stonework and leaves show how precise this technique can be.
Try looking up etching to see how artists like this made prints before photography.
Overview
Jean-Laurent Legeay's 1768 etching, 'Frontispiece for Fountains', is a detailed print on laid paper, serving as the introductory page for a publication titled 'Fountains'.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts an ornate fountain scene, complete with a vase, crown-like structure, lion's head spout, and surrounding natural elements. Inscriptions in Italian and Latin, highlighting 'Fontane' (fountains) and the date 1768, are integrated into the design.
Technique & Style
Legeay employed etching techniques, scratching into metal with a sharp tool to create detailed lines that, when inked, produce a nearly painterly effect. The piece showcases the precision of etching, evident in the intricate stonework and foliage details.
History & Provenance
Created in 1768, specific details regarding the print's provenance and the publication 'Fountains' it was designed for are not provided in the available information.
Context
Produced before the advent of photography, this etching demonstrates the role of such artistic techniques in pre-photographic era illustration and publication design.
Legacy
The legacy and impact of 'Frontispiece for Fountains' on subsequent artistic or publication practices are not specified in the provided context.
Artist & collection
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