Triton Fountain, Baroque fountain in Piazza Barberini, Rome, Italy
The Triton Fountain is a marble and travertine fountain in the center of Piazza Barberini in Rome. Four dolphins hold up a large shell from which a male figure rises and blows water through a conch into the air.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini built the fountain between 1642 and 1643 by commission from Pope Urban VIII as a public water source. The work received major restorations in 1932 and 2013 to secure the preservation of the sculpture and water system.
The name Triton comes from Greek mythology, where he is known as the son of the sea god Poseidon. Barberini bees hidden in the work mark it as a papal commission and recall the family of Pope Urban VIII.
The fountain stands on an open piazza accessible from all sides and easy to reach for a short visit. The sculpture is best viewed in daylight when the details of the marble become visible.
Bernini designed the base hollow so the sculpture appears lighter while also collecting water. This technique made it possible to place the heavy figure without additional visible supports and to include the movement of water in the form.
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