Water Source Collection

View of the wash-house constructed around the Fosse Dionne (photo)
XIR245180 View of the wash-house constructed around the Fosse Dionne (photo) by French School, (18th century); Tonnerre, France; (add.info)

Indian water lift
3788912 Indian water lift; (add.info.: Indian water lift. Illustration from early 20th century. Two oxen are driven by a labourer. British postcard.); Lebrecht History

A Village outside Mumbai (Bombay)
3788896 A Village outside Mumbai (Bombay); (add.info.: A Village outside Mumbai (Bombay). Photograph taken early 20th century. British postcard.); Lebrecht History

San Hunter-gatherers in Africa
Carlo Kaminski

The Well Driller, 1873-74 (oil on canvas)
BRN190569 The Well Driller, 1873-74 (oil on canvas) by Cezanne, Paul (1839-1906); 20.8x15.9 cm; The Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Old Draw Well near Golspie, 19th century (w / c)
6200280 The Old Draw Well near Golspie, 19th century (w/c) by Wintour, John Crawford (1825-82); 23.2x32.7 cm; The McManus, Dundee, UK; Dundee Art Galleries and Museums; English, out of copyright

Peasants around a well, in a farmyard, c. 1860-70 (b / w photo)
5981427 Peasants around a well, in a farmyard, c.1860-70 (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (19th century); eArchives Charmet; French, out of copyright

Historic Ba Le Well, Hoi An (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Vietnam

Hare elephant full moon water source trunked animals
Hare and elephant with full moon at a water source, trunked animals: elephant, rodents: hers, spring (fluids extracted from the earth), full moon, Jan Luyken, Amsterdam, 1693, paper, etching

Dew pond C017 / 7275
Dew pond on the South Downs, UK. Dew ponds are small round ponds traditionally made by digging a shallow concave pit and lining it with clay

A Bai girl carrying buckets of water in front of a water wheel in Lijiang Old Town, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yunnan Province, China, Asia

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

"Exploring the Lifeline: Tracing the Evolution of Water Sources" Water, a vital resource that sustains life, has been an integral part of human existence since time immemorial. From the San Hunter-gatherers in Africa to modern-day societies, our relationship with water sources has evolved significantly over centuries. In 1857, "A Woodland Well" captured on canvas depicted a serene scene where people gathered around a well, drawing water for their daily needs. This artwork serves as a reminder of how wells were once pivotal meeting points and lifelines for communities. "The Well Driller, " painted between 1873-74, showcases the industrious spirit of individuals who dedicated themselves to digging deep into the earth's crust to tap into hidden water reserves. Their efforts ensured access to clean drinking water and irrigation possibilities. The 19th-century masterpiece "The Old Draw Well near Golspie, " portrayed in delicate watercolors, transports us back in time when rural landscapes relied heavily on these traditional wells for survival. The image encapsulates both simplicity and resilience. A captivating black-and-white photograph from c. 1860-70 titled "Peasants around a well in a farmyard" offers glimpses into agrarian societies where communal wells fostered social interactions while quenching thirsts amidst hard work under the scorching sun. Moving forward through history brings us to more contemporary examples like the Fosse Dionne wash-house constructed around its namesake natural spring—a testament to humanity's ingenuity in harnessing nature's gifts sustainably. Venturing beyond borders takes us to Vietnam's UNESCO World Heritage Site - Hoi An - where we find the Historic Ba Le Well standing tall as an architectural marvel that not only provided essential hydration but also served as cultural heritage worth preserving. Nature too plays its part.