Fontaine des Mers, Maritime fountain in Place de la Concorde, France
Fontaine des Mers is a monumental fountain on Place de la Concorde featuring stone sea deities and nymphs surrounding a central water basin. Water cascades downward, creating rippling surfaces that catch light throughout the day.
Completed in 1840 under King Louis-Philippe, the fountain emerged from Jacques Ignace Hittorff's vision to adorn Place de la Concorde with monumental water features. This project was part of a major redesign of the famous square during the 1800s.
The sculptures depict sea gods and nymphs gazing across the square, expressing France's deep connection to the ocean. Visitors notice how the figures tell stories of shipping and commerce that shaped the nation's identity.
The fountain sits in the center of Place de la Concorde and is easily reached on foot. Best viewing occurs in the morning when sunlight directly illuminates the stone figures.
Twelve different artists created the stone groups forming a continuous narrative about human activity at sea. This collaboration of artists with varying styles makes the fountain a rare example of collective artistic work on a public square.
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