Aug
19
Rome’s world famous fountains are rich with history that is ancient and full of majesty and genius. There are fountains that date as far back as the first century when Rome ruled the world. But some of the most magnificent fountains date to the 18th century Renaissance period which filled Rome with wonderful outdoor art.
Many cities have fountains but their purpose is strictly ornamental or utilitarian. But Rome differs because any public water display had to also become a unique and treasured work of art in the Eternal city. In fact, not only does Rome “have” great art, the city itself “is” great art.
Throughout the world, the Trevi Fountain is perhaps the most famous and well known fountain in Rome, but it’s certainly not lacking for “competition” when it comes to magnificent Roman fountain artwork.
An outstanding example of fountain artistry is the Fountain of Triton otherwise known as Fontana del Tritone. This fountain is a classic example of Baroque artwork as it was expressed at the hands of the master artist Bernini in 1642. The vision of a mighty Merman (the masculine form of a mermaid) sitting on a huge clamshell and being served by dancing dolphins is one that is often used in advertisements and movies as typical Roman setting.
Bernini is a dominant artistic influence in outdoor art in Rome, so you can find his first fountain near the Spanish Steps. It is called the Barcaccia and this early example of Baroque outdoor sculpture shows a half sunken ship with the fountain waters pouring out of the holes in the ship.
The sea creature theme that Bernini utilizes so well in his fountains continues in the Fountain of the Moor, otherwise known as Fontana del Moro. This is a great fountain to sit down and enjoy with a beverage as you explore the Piazza Navona. Here, we see the mighty god of the sea Neptune being attended to by four Tritons who spew water for the fountain as happy citizens of the sea playfully interact below.
A fountain that uses very similar ideas as the Fountain of the Moor but it reflects the style of Renaissance artwork is the Fountain of Neptune which you can also find in the Piazza Navona.
The Fontana dei Tritoni located in front of the Church of St. Maria clearly shows that the artist, Francesco Bizzaccheri emulated the style of Bernini’s artistic vision. This beautiful fountain was finished in 1715 and is located between the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of Male Fortune. The dawn of the age of reason is reflected in the design of this fountain which shows two mighty Tritons knelt on the rocks where a basin is the spot from which the water of the fountain flows forth.
Many would argue well that the classic example of the artistry of Roman fountains is found at the Fontana di Trevi, otherwise known as the Trevi Fountain. This is one of the oldest fountains in Rome as it dates back to the first century. But it was re-built under the authority of Pope Clement XII in 1751.
In addition to being one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome, it is clearly the largest as well, standing 85 feet high and 65 feet wide. The fountain is located at the back of the Palace of the Dukes of Poli. The sea creature theme continues with Neptune once again dominating the scene. This time the sea god rides a chariot made of clamshell and pulled by two fiery horses as Tritons are in attendance and the gods of Health and Wealth follow him on his mission.
The well known tradition and superstition of throwing coins into the fountain for luck was born at the Trevi Fountain. Be sure to throw your three coins in as legend tells us that this offering will cause Neptune to bless you with a return visit to Rome one day. Don’t worry about the coins as Rome wisely harvests them to benefit the charities of the city. It is amusing to note that the encouragement of this tradition not only adds to the culture of the city but amounts to pretty clever marketing as well.
The designer of the Trevi Fountain is said to be Nicola Salvi but it is clear to see the influence of Bernini in the style as well. An interesting fact is that the water that comes from the fountain originates at the Aqua Vergine aqueduct and that name is also the stuff of the legend. Tradition says that a virgin once offered water from these sources to thirsty Roman soldiers long ago in antiquity.
When you visit Rome, along with your many other sites you will want to see, taking in one or many of these gorgeous fountains is a must because Rome’s fountains are so much of what makes the city a true work of art in its own right.
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