A baroque masterpiece of sculpture and water dazzles from the center of Piazza Navona. White travertine marble and dramatic lines immediately attract your eye.
Commissioned by Pope Innocenzo X in the mid 1600’s and sculpted by Bernini, this fountain was part of an initiative to bring clean water to the people of Rome.
Four figures personify the major rivers from each continent known at the time. In the center is a massive obelisk topped with a dove holding an olive branch soars skyward. This was a nod to the pope and the Pamphilj coat of arms which also has dove.
Il Gange
The Ganges River represents Asia. He faces a café and balconies brimming with greenery. The warm apricot and burnt siena tones of the architecture provide a colorful backdrop that emphasizes the white marble sculpture. The tail of a dolphin splashes in the bottom left corner.
Il Danubio
The Danube River represents Europe with a dashing laurel wreath on his head. In the top right, is the Papal Coat of Arms of Innocenzo X. While in the bottom right a dolphin peaks above the water. From the left, cafés curve to the far side of the piazza, streetlights recede into the distance, and people enjoy a leisurely walk.
Il Rio de la Plata
The River Plate represents the Americas. He looks directly at la Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone. A sea serpent in the lower left corner twists in water, while a crocodile sits contentedly below the rocks. Inside the arch you can see the tail and hind quarters of a lion, and the papal coat of arms is above.
Il Nilo
The Nile River represents Africa. His head is covered because at that time they did not know the source of the Nile. He reaches out with his right arm to hold the papal coat of arms while a lion is visible in the arch. In the bottom right the tail of a sea serpent swishes through the water. He faces more busy cafés lining the piazza in the sunny palette of Rome.
Four 16x16 watercolor paintings by Kimberly Cammerata
Paper: 100% cotton, archival, Fabriano Cold press 300 lb (640 gsm)
Completed October 19, 2020
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