Donnerbrunnen, Baroque fountain at Neuer Markt, Austria
Donnerbrunnen is a fountain at Neuer Markt in Vienna featuring a central figure representing Providentia. Four additional figures surround the base, each depicting major Austrian rivers with their own sculptural character.
The fountain was created in 1739 following a city commission, marking a shift away from traditional artworks of the time. This work reflected a new artistic vision that departed from the conventions that had dominated earlier periods.
The river figures at the base show different characters and moods, each representing distinct streams that flow through Austrian lands. Local residents and visitors often notice how the sculptures seem to tell stories about these waterways through their expressions and gestures.
The fountain sits on Neuer Markt in central Vienna, within walking distance of St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Capuchin Church. The plaza offers space to view the sculpture from multiple angles and is easily accessible from surrounding streets.
The original lead sculptures from 1739 were replaced with bronze copies in 1873, while the originals now rest in the Lower Belvedere Palace. This swap preserved the delicate originals from weather damage while keeping the artwork visible to visitors.
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