The fountain at Géronstère, Spa, Belgium. Ink on Card, by Joseph Xhrouet
The fountain at Géronstère, Spa, Belgium. Ink on Card, by Joseph Xhrouet, probably 1749
The discovery several years ago of an attractive, ink-on-card drawing, sold by a dealer in England, led to an interesting investigation of its artist and location with art detective work. We acquired it for our museum in Thailand to teach children about art, history and pleasure in study. Showing two pretty pavilions in trees, the smaller covering a fountain, with figures in the foreground, it looked professionally-drawn, and in very nice condition. We felt that it dated from the eighteenth or early nineteenth century. With no leaves on the ground, yet thin foliage on the trees, it looks like a scene from spring. It is first thing in the morning, because the figures standing on the road cast very long shadows and we now know that the sun in the drawing is coming from the east.
We shall explain why later. Spring morning gives an energy and sense of purpose. It fits the proverb “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a good man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” Interestingly, in French, the language spoken where we identified the scene, the proverb translates as “Up with the chickens, to bed with the crow, keeps you out of the tomb.”
The figures look local, not tourists or dignitaries in wider dress or longer tailcoat. The woman on the right has her hair tied up buffed, with a broad ribbon going down onto her back in two strands. She is gesturing in conversation. Her skirt is rolled tightly around her waist and her petticoat under skirt is well off the ground. Her chemise shirt is long sleeved and loose. She is dressed for work or walking. She has quite flat shoes. The man is paying attention, leaning on his tall staff. He wears breeches, stockings, and a short coat, with collar and belt. His hat is tall and broad-brimmed. It is a rare insight into everyday costume of the Ardennes in the mid 1700’s.
Baan Dong Bang Museum and Education Centre 