Fontaine du puits de Grenelle, Public fountain in 15th arrondissement, France.
The Fontaine du Puits de Grenelle is a monumental cut-stone fountain on Place Georges-Mulot, built in 1906. Its square central body of horizontal stone blocks is framed by four cylindrical columns with carved capitals, and a projecting base and curved top section with sculpted figures above the cornice. Circular stone medallions on each face carry profile portraits, including one inscribed "LE GRAND WOLF"; a small arched niche at the bottom holds a sculpted face above a basin.
The fountain was created during the French Third Republic through collaboration between architect Jean-Camille Formigé and sculptor Firmin Michelet. This partnership reflected the late 1800s trend of expanding public water features across Paris.
The name refers to the artesian well drilled here from 1833 to 1841, Paris's first, which supplied water from 548 meters down. The stone medallions on each face honor figures whose names are borne by the streets converging on the square, such as Bouchardon and Nicolas. A bronze mascaron on the south face once delivered water, but the flow appears to have been off for some time.
The fountain sits in public space and remains freely accessible year-round for visitors. Its proximity to several metro stations makes it easy to reach and convenient to visit.
The water found in 1841 rose through a 42-metre metal tower built in 1858 on Place de Breteuil, a few hundred metres away; that tower was demolished in 1903, three years before the fountain was erected here. The medallions on the faces carry the names of figures honoured by the streets converging on this part of the 15th arrondissement.
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