Erbsenbrunnen, Mineral water fountain in Bad Cannstatt, Germany
The Erbsenbrunnen is a mineral water fountain in Bad Cannstatt featuring a statue of a boy holding a pitcher above a large pea-shaped stone sphere with water flowing through four pipes into a hexagonal basin. The mineral water comes from the Kellerbrunnenquelle and travels through a ring pipeline system.
Fritz von Graevenitz created this travertine fountain in 1929 to replace an earlier iron fountain that had served the community. The fountain was destroyed and rebuilt in 1948, with the boy's statue redesigned for the reconstruction.
The name comes from how locals historically used the water to cook peas and legumes more effectively than ordinary water. Residents would gather here regularly to collect water for their daily meals.
The water flows year-round at a constant 16 degrees Celsius, which sets it apart from other fountains in the area. Its central location makes it easy to reach, and the hexagonal basin structure allows visitors to view and approach the fountain from several angles.
The boy's statue was modeled after a family member of the sculptor who later became a significant figure in post-war German history. This personal connection adds an unexpected layer of meaning to what appears to be a simple decorative sculpture.
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