Fountain of Four Rivers
by Melany Sarafis
Title
Fountain of Four Rivers
Artist
Melany Sarafis
Medium
Photograph
Description
A detailed portion of the Fountain of Four Rivers by Bernini.
Sculpted by Bernini, and the star of Piazza Navona, which is in the location of the ancient stadium of the Emperor Domitian. The figures surround an Egyptian obelisk which looks like an ancient Egyptian piece, but is actually a replica created for the Emperor. The fountain is the result of a competition, common in the day, held by Pope Innocent X Pamphilj. Bernini wasn't even invited to enter a submission, but "somehow" the Pope received his design and gave the commission to Bernini. The art world was a dog-eat-dog world then, as well as today.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers depicts Gods of the four great rivers in the four continents as then recognized by the Renaissance geographers: the Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia, the Danube in Europe and the Río de la Plata in America.
Each location is further enhanced by animals and plants of that country. The Danube touches the Papal coat of arms, since it is the largest river closest to Rome.
Each River God is semi-prostrate, in awe of the central tower, epitomized by the slender Egyptian obelisk (built for the Roman Serapeum in AD 81), symbolizing Papal power and surmounted by the Pamphilj symbol of the dove.
The masterpiece was unveiled to the world on June 12, 1651.
Uploaded
September 5th, 2013
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