Fountain Of Youth Collection

FOUNTAIN OF LIFE, 1550. Fons Mercuralis - the Fountain of Life. Woodcut from Rosarium Philosophorum, Frankfurt, Germany, 1550

Fountain of Youth
Bethany Young

The Garden of Love, 1480/90. Creator: Master W. A. H
The Garden of Love, 1480/90

Francois Rabelais's Gargantua and Pantagruel, Fountain of Youth, Women rejuvenate to their youth
Vintage illustration of a scene from Francois Rabelais's Gargantua and Pantagruel, by Jules Garnier. Book 5 Chapter XXI

Prominent buildings in Nuremberg, Germany (coloured engraving)
5999545 Prominent buildings in Nuremberg, Germany (coloured engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Prominent buildings in Nuremberg, Germany)

An 8th-century depiction of a mystical fountain (chromolitho)
964057 An 8th-century depiction of a mystical fountain (chromolitho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mystical fountain (Fontaine Mystique)

Juan Ponce de Leon (colour litho)
3096241 Juan Ponce de Leon (colour litho) by American School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Juan Ponce de Leon. Postcard, early 20th century.); © Look and Learn

The Fountain of Youth, 16th Century (litho)
5208549 The Fountain of Youth, 16th Century (litho) by Beham, Hans Sebald (1500-50); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Fountain of Youth, 16th Century)

Ponce di Leon goes in search of the fountain of youth
LLM456909 Ponce di Leon goes in search of the fountain of youth by Scarpelli, Tancredi (1866-1937); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ponce di Leon goes in search of the fountain of youth)

Painting of the Thermopolium in the Strada di Mercurio, The Fountain of Youth, A Foreign Landscape (colour litho)
5212063 Painting of the Thermopolium in the Strada di Mercurio, The Fountain of Youth, A Foreign Landscape (colour litho) by Gusman

Gold book cover, 19th century, (1881). Creator: John Watkins
Gold book cover, 19th century, (1881). Etching of an embossed and enamelled book cover, made in Europe, probably in the 19th century

The Fountain of Youth, 1546. Found in the collection of Staatliche Museen, Berlin

The Fountain of Youth, 1546. Artist: Lucas Cranach the Elder
The Fountain of Youth, 1546. From the collection of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Gemaldegalerie, Berlin, Germany

JUAN PONCE DE LEON and his men searching for the Fountain of Youth: engraving, 19th century

EXPL2A-00263
Juan Ponce de Leons expedition searching for the Fountain of Youth in Florida, 1500s. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"The Mythical Fountain of Youth: A Timeless Quest for Eternal Youth" Throughout history, the concept of a fountain that grants eternal youth has captivated the human imagination. From ancient legends to literary works and explorations, the allure of this mythical source remains strong. One notable depiction is found in Francois Rabelais's Gargantua and Pantagruel, where he mentions the "Fountain of Life" or Fons Mercuralis - a symbol of rejuvenation and vitality. This idea resonated with people's desire to turn back time and regain their youthful vigor. In Nuremberg, Germany, prominent buildings were adorned with colored engravings depicting this enchanting fountain. An 8th-century chromolitho showcased a mystical rendition, adding an air of mystique to its existence. Juan Ponce de Leon became synonymous with the quest for everlasting youth when he embarked on his legendary journey in search of the Fountain of Youth. His exploits have been immortalized through color lithographs and engravings from various centuries. Artists like Lucas Cranach the Elder captured this fascination in their paintings such as "The Fountain of Youth" from 1546. These artworks depicted scenes filled with hope and wonder as women rejuvenate themselves by drinking from these magical waters. Even book covers embraced this theme; one gold cover from the 19th century showcases intricate designs surrounding images related to eternal youth – a testament to society's enduring fascination with immortality. As we delve into history, it becomes evident that humanity has always yearned for perpetual youthfulness. The legend persists across cultures and eras because it taps into our deepest desires – to defy aging and experience life at its fullest potential. While we may never find an actual Fountain of Youth, its symbolism continues to inspire us today. It serves as a reminder that although time marches forward relentlessly, our spirit can remain forever young if we embrace curiosity, adventure, and the pursuit of a life well-lived.