Merkurbrunnen, Renaissance water well in Maximilianstrasse, Augsburg, Germany
The Mercury Fountain is a Renaissance water well on Maximilianstrasse featuring a bronze Mercury statue holding a staff, wearing a winged helmet, with decorative animal heads on the pillar that spout water. The fountain combines mythological imagery with functional water delivery in a single ornate structure.
The fountain was created by Flemish artist Adriaen de Vries between 1596 and 1599, then assembled in Augsburg by Dutch caster Wolfgang Neidhardt. It represents the period when the city was cementing its power as a major trading hub.
The fountain shows Mercury as the Roman god of commerce, linking ancient mythology to Augsburg's identity as a major trading center. Visitors can see how the Renaissance connected classical ideas to the city's economic power.
The original bronze sculptures are kept at the Maximilian Museum, while replicas remain at the fountain for public viewing throughout the day. The location on Maximilianstrasse makes it easy to visit while exploring the city's main shopping and cultural street.
Water flows through various animal sculptures on the pillar, including dog heads, Medusa heads, lion masks, and eagle heads in a carefully designed arrangement. These decorative water spouts demonstrate the intricate craftsmanship of Renaissance metalwork.
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