Fontana della Cordonata
Porta, Giacomo della
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Date
2013-04-09Description
Detail of the Egyptian lion on top of the marble block behind the fountain; "Two black Egyptian lions originally decorated the entrance to Santo Stefano del Cacco church in the middle of the XIV century. In 1562, they were placed side by side at the bottom of the steps that lead to the Piazza del Campidoglio. In 1588, when Acqua Felice was brought to the Capitoline hill, Giacomo Della Porta changed the lions into fountains, adding two urns to collect the water from the lions' mouths. Footnote: Legend has it that each time a new Pope takes over San Giovanni in Laterano, the lions gush out wine instead of water. This event was recorded at least twice, during the installation of Pope Innocenzo X Pamphilj and Pope Clemente X Altieri." Source:http://www.virtualtourist.com
Type of Work
fountainSubject
Baroque
Rights
Rights Statement
Licensed for educational and research use by the MIT community only