The Fountain of Youth

Humans have always longed for immortality and eternal youth. We dream of leaving our tired, frail bodies behind and springing up again with new youth and vigour.

The elements of fire and water were once thought to be particularly helpful in rejuvenation.

The legend of the Fountain of Youth began to appear in literature during the High Middle Ages. It became a common trope in poetry and visual art and tapped into existing ritualistic and religious imagery, such as that surrounding baptism.

But Cranach’s Fountain of Youth is a secular one. It shows women being led, carted, or carried to a pool set amidst an austere mountain landscape.

At the edge of the pool, young women help the new arrivals to undress. A doctor gives his patients one last, hopeless look before they step into the Fountain.

Old and feeble, the women slowly step into the pool.

As they cross the water, their wrinkles smoothen and their grey skin turns rosy. They emerge from the Fountain as bright young maidens.

A cavalier greets them and shows them to a tent to dress. Now donning fine new costumes and jewels, they gather on the lawn.

A table is laid for a celebratory meal. The company spends the day dancing, feasting, and enjoying the pleasures of love.

Cupid, god of love, and Venus, goddess of love and beauty, reign over the Fountain.

Only women undergo the Fountain’s treatment; the men are perhaps rejuvenated by the company of young ladies.

In portraying the Fountain of Youth as a Fountain of Love, Cranach has added a touch of irony to the old theme.