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Fountain of the Turtles in Sterling Silver and Travertine Base 'Rome, 1581'
About the Item
In Rione XI - Sant'Angelo, a few steps from the Old Jewish Quarter, surrounded by the palaces that once belonged to the noble Mattei family who gave the square its name, stands one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome. The Fountain of the Turtles was built between 1581 and 1588 on a project by Giacomo della Porta (1533-1602).
The history of the fountain comes from a romantic fable. According to legend, Duke Mattei, a gambler, lost his entire family fortune in one fell swoop. The future father-in-law, therefore, refused to give him his daughter in marriage. In response, the duke had this magnificent artwork built in a single night. The following day he invited his betrothed and her father to the palace to show them the fountain. He exclaimed: "This is what a penniless Mattei can accomplish in a few hours!". In memory of the episode, he had the window from which they looked out to admire the fountain walled up.
Among rich decorations in polychrome marble, four bronze children ride dolphins on shell-shaped tanks sculpted by Florentine Taddeo Landini (1550-1596). From 1658, they "play" with the turtles, added to the fountain by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
- Creator:SERRA
- Metal:
- Weight:1350 g
- Dimensions:Height: 6.89 in (175 mm)Width: 5.12 in (130 mm)
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Roma, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU1922213703562
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Roma, Italy
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
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