Fountain of the Four Rivers
Bernini, Gian Lorenzo
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Alternative Title
Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
Date
1647-1651Description
Sculpture representing the Nile, the right leg and water spout, located at the northeast corner (design is by Bernini but executed by pupil Giacomo Antonio Fancelli); The actual carving of the sculpture was done by assistants to Bernini. Its travertine base, populated with four giant marble personifications of the rivers Danube, Nile, Ganges and Plate [the four great rivers in the four continents recognized by the Renaissance geographers: the Nile in Africa, Ganges in Asia, Danube in Europe, and Río de la Plata in America. Each has animals and plants that further carry forth the identification.]... supports an ancient granite obelisk moved from the Circus of Maxentius. Bernini daringly pierced the base on all sides, thus opening a view through and making the massive obelisk appear to hover weightlessly above the void. Source: Grove Art Online; http://www.groveart.com/ (accessed 11/15/2007)
Type of Work
fountain; sculpture (visual work)Subject
allegorical, Baroque
Rights
Rights Statement
Licensed for educational and research use by the MIT community only