Fontaine des Quatre-Saisons, Baroque fountain in Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin, France.
The fountain on Rue de Grenelle is a baroque structure featuring intricate sculptural work, with a central figure representing Paris surrounded by detailed elements embodying the four seasons. The complex architectural design combines multiple artistic techniques into a unified composition.
The artist Edme Bouchardon completed this monumental fountain in 1745 during the reign of Louis XV to supply drinking water to Paris' growing population. The project emerged from the practical need for improved water distribution across the expanding city.
The fountain displays allegorical figures of the Seine and Marne rivers alongside seasonal representations holding fruits that symbolize Paris abundance. These depictions tell the story of the city's connection to its waterways and natural cycles.
The fountain sits on Rue de Grenelle and is easily accessible via Metro Line 12 at Rue du Bac station in the 7th arrondissement. Visitors can view the monument freely during daylight hours, as it stands in a public location within the neighborhood.
Despite its grand design and artistic merit, the fountain faced criticism for having only two bronze lion-head spouts for public use. This limitation revealed the tension between artistic vision and the practical expectations of everyday users.
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