Fountain of the Naiads, Public fountain in Piazza della Repubblica, Rome, Italy
The Fountain of the Naiads is a public water feature in Piazza della Repubblica, Rome, with four marble sculptures depicting female water figures positioned around a central basin. Water flows from multiple jets into the circular pool, creating an active fountain that still serves as a drinking water source.
Construction began in 1870 and the artist Mario Rutelli added the marble sculptures, finishing the work in 1901. This completion coincided with a period when Rome was reshaping its public spaces during urban transformation.
The sculptures depict figures from classical mythology, each representing different water sources and their characteristics. When visiting, you notice how these representations shaped public conversation about art and the human form.
The fountain is located in a large public square that is freely accessible during daylight hours. Plenty of space surrounds the structure, making it easy to view and move around the site.
The marble sculptures sparked heated public debate shortly after installation due to their artistic representation. This controversy made the fountain a topic of discussion far beyond the art world itself.
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