Fontaines de la Concorde, Monumental fountains in Place de la Concorde, Paris, France
The Fontaines de la Concorde are two symmetrical cast iron fountains flanking the central Egyptian obelisk on Place de la Concorde. Each fountain is adorned with bronze figures and water displays that create a classical appearance.
An architect named Jacques Ignace Hittorff designed these fountains and completed them in 1840 during King Louis-Philippe's reign. Their completion followed the opening of the Canal de l'Ourcq, which provided the water supply.
The north fountain shows maritime commerce and shipping, while the south one celebrates river navigation. Both are decorated with statues of water deities and representations of French industries that reflect the nation's economic power.
These fountains are easily accessible from the square and operate through gravity-fed water systems from the supply line. The best time to visit is during the day when water flows and the bronze sculpture details are clearly visible.
Twelve different sculptors contributed to creating the bronze figures and worked under strict supervision to maintain design consistency. This collaboration of numerous artists makes these fountains an example of collective French artistic skill.
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