Audio GuideFontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde
The "4 corners of the world" are represented by bronze female figures at this 19th-century fountain.
Park
Paris, France
The Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde is a historic landmark in Paris, situated in the seventh arrondissement near the Paris Observatory and the Jardin du Luxembourg. Built between eighteen sixty-seven and eighteen seventy-four, this fountain is also referred to as the Fontaine de l’Observatoire or Fontaine Carpeaux. Designed by architect Gabriel Davioud, it captures the essence of nineteenth-century design.
The central figures were crafted by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, featuring four bronze female statues representing the continents of Africa, America, Asia, and Europe. The African statue is particularly notable for wearing a broken chain on her ankle, a poignant emblem of the struggle against slavery. Emmanuel Frémiet enriched the fountain with dynamic sculptures of sea horses, fish, and turtles, while Eugène Legrain contributed decorative details such as a globe adorned with zodiac signs.
The artistic style of the fountain, characterised by fluid movement and expressive details, highlights the vibrant aesthetic trends of the era. Its proximity to key landmarks enhances its cultural importance. Recognised as a historic monument since nineteen twenty-six, the fountain has been carefully maintained over the years. Today, it stands as a testament to cultural exchange and historical narrative in contemporary Paris, inviting visitors to appreciate both its beauty and its rich heritage.
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