| Rome's Fountains -
Magnificent Artwork, Yet Still Practical
The fountains that you will find in Rome are amazing to see
and they are rich with tradition and history. There are fountains
that date as far back as the Roman Empire and many that reflect
the surge of creativity of the Renaissance as well.
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.
While the Trevi fountain is unquestionably the one that is
most well known, it is far from being the only fountain that
calls to visitors to enjoy the artistic merit on display.
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.
Another example of Bernini's artistic vision is the first
fountain he installed in Rome, which is located near the Spanish
Steps. Named the Barcaccia, this clever design shows a ship
at sea in a half sunken state and it simultaneously is a perfect
study of the use of Baroque design in an outdoor setting.
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.
Not far from the Fountain of the Moor is the Fountain of Neptune
which uses many of the same themes but expresses them in an
up to date style.
The artist Francesco Bizzaccheri designed the Fontana dei
Tritoni which is located in front of the Church of St. Maria
in the Boario Forum and the influence of Bernini is easy to
see in this style. This wonderful fountain was built a little
later in 1715 as the age of reason dawned and it depicts two
mighty Tritons kneeling together on a large rock surface and
holding a basin that is the source of water for the fountain.
Of these many examples, however, the Trevi Fountain or the
Fontana di Trevi not only is the most well known Roman fountain
but the best example of fountain art in the city. Like many
classic Roman fountains, it was built in the first century.
But Rome has carefully preserved it by restoring it between
1732 and 1751 under the direction of Pope Clement XII.
The Trevi Fountain is the largest fountain in Rome at 85 feet
high and 65 feet wide and its size is very much part of why
it is so beautiful. You can find this not-to-be missed fountain
behind the Palace of the Dukes of Poli. Here we again get to
see Neptune but this time riding in a chariot made of a clamshell
being drawn by two mighty horses. Tritons again are at the
bidding of their master, as are the gods of Health and Wealth
who are in attendance.
The famous belief that throwing three coins in a fountain
in Rome for a blessing originated here. The blessing promised
is a quick return to visit the Eternal City again so it's worth
a few coins for that possibility. Not to worry about the money
as the city of Rome uses the coins to help the needy through
city charities. So the combination of ancient lore, pleasant
superstition and some clever marketing works out well for everyone.
The Trevi Fountain is said to have been designed by Nicola
Salvi, not Bernini as you might suspect. Nonetheless, the influence
of Bernini is so evident that perhaps it was a joint project.
The water for the fountain comes from the Aqua Vergine and
there is a legend that goes with that name. The legend is that
a virgin drew water from that aqueduct to offer to tired and
thirsty Roman soldiers.
There is a lot to see in the many fountains of Rome so taking
the time to admire them will make your visit to Rome complete.
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