Parterre Ornamentation in the Publications of the 16th–17th Centuries

The Use of the Dolphin Image in Garden Design

Abstract

Sixteenth and seventeenth century publications afford a great overview of contemporary park designs. Thanks to the surviving books we are able to study the park design of the end of the Renaissance, the Mannerist period and the beginning of the Baroque. That entire garden design period is characterised by the use of parterres. While plant ornamentation is heavily used throughout the period, we do not find as much animal ornamentation in the designs. Dolphins, as important symbols of love and friendship, were beloved figures in park design. In addition to parterre designs, Dolphins can be found in water feature ensembles, fountain groups and grotto niches.