Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes is considered to be the founder of modern landscapes, and he particularly encourages work in nature.  With his landscapes, he attempts to create a subtle synthesis between man’s destiny and the place he inhabits. This work is inspired by one of Ovid’s Metamorphoses: Biblis, exhausted by the search for her brother whom she loves, bursts into tears, is unable to get up and is transformed into a fountain which flows forever. The composition resembles a series of successive stage curtains.  The museum exhibits a companion work: Narcisse se mirant dans l’eau (Narcissus looking at his reflection in the water).