Bernini Fountain of the Four Rivers is one of the most iconic and renowned sculptures of the Baroque period. It is a masterpiece of art created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the most famous and influential sculptor of the 17th century. The fountain is located in the Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy, and it is a stunning work of art that symbolizes the power of the Roman Catholic Church.
History of the Fountain
The Bernini Fountain of the Four Rivers was commissioned by Pope Innocent X in 1651 and it was created by Bernini and his workshop over the course of four years. It was completed in 1651 and it was placed in the center of the Piazza Navona, which was built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian. The fountain was designed to be the centerpiece of the square, and it is one of the most famous and recognizable sculptures in Rome.
Design of the Fountain
The fountain is a large oval-shaped basin with four figures representing the four major rivers of the four known continents at the time: the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube, and the Rio de la Plata. Each figure is made of marble and is placed in a corner of the fountain, and each is sculpted to represent the particular river it is meant to symbolize. The figures are surrounded by several animals and plants, and the whole structure is crowned by an obelisk. The obelisk was added to the fountain in 1711 by Pope Clement XI.
Symbolism of the Fountain
The fountain is an example of Bernini’s skill in combining the Baroque style of sculpture with symbolism and meaning. The four figures represent the four major rivers of the four known continents, and they symbolize the power of the Catholic Church over the entire world. The obelisk at the top of the fountain is a symbol of the papal authority, and the figures are arranged in such a way that they appear to be paying homage to the obelisk. The fountain also serves as a reminder of the Catholic Church’s dominance over the world during the Baroque period.
Legacy of the Fountain
The Bernini Fountain of the Four Rivers has become one of the most iconic and recognizable sculptures in Rome. It is one of the most visited sites in the city, and it has become a symbol of the power of the Catholic Church. The fountain is also an important example of Baroque sculpture, and it has been copied and imitated by many other artists throughout the centuries.
Conclusion
The Bernini Fountain of the Four Rivers is one of the most famous and iconic sculptures of the Baroque period. It is a masterpiece of art created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and it is a stunning work of art that symbolizes the power of the Roman Catholic Church. The fountain is an example of Bernini’s skill in combining the Baroque style of sculpture with symbolism and meaning, and it has become one of the most visited sites in Rome. The fountain is also an important example of Baroque sculpture, and it has been copied and imitated by many other artists throughout the centuries.