Fontaine des Licornes, Historical fountain in Place Jean-Jaurès, Montpellier, France.
The Fontaine des Licornes is a fountain in Montpellier's central square featuring multiple marble sculptures of unicorns arranged around a central water basin. The work includes decorative stone elements and water spouts that make it a focal point of the plaza.
The fountain was built in 1776 following plans by architect Jacques Donnat and commissioned by the City Council. The sculptural work came from Etienne d'Antoine of Carpentras, a respected craftsman of the period.
The fountain takes its name from the unicorns that define its appearance and reflect 18th-century French artistic traditions. These mythological creatures show how public squares in Montpellier served as stages for artistic imagination and craftsmanship.
The fountain sits on Montpellier's central square and remains easily accessible throughout the year. Restaurants, cafés, and shops surround the space, making it a natural gathering spot for visitors and locals alike.
The unicorns were carved with unusually realistic anatomical details, which is rarely seen in mythological subjects. This careful craftsmanship reflects the artist's intention to make the fantastical appear believable.
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