Poliphilo's Strife of Love in a Dream

This intricate Renaissance woodcut shows a monumental fountain within a rectangular border. The structure consists of multiple sculptural levels. At the peak, water jets from a decorative finial. This top section rests on a slender vase supported by three nude female figures, the Three Graces, who stand back-to-back. Underneath is a large basin. Its rim is decorated with the heads of sea monsters or dragons that function as secondary water spouts. The central pillar is adorned with lion masks. At the base, three winged figures resembling sirens or harpies support the structure. These hybrids have female chests and bird-like lower bodies with spread wings. The fountain sits in a wide, shallow, circular basin with an architectural rim.