Images of Neptune Fountain by Giovanni Bologna.

Neptune Fountain, Piazza del Nettuno

Giovanni Bologna
1563-66

All new images--taken in 2006

Large multi-figured fountain
At the apex of this decorative fountain in the main square in Bologna is the striding figure of Neptune, god of the sea. He is silhouetted against the sky carrying the trident, his characteristic symbol.

Cupids or Erotes at mid level
Here the fish spout water from this mid level. The disembodied head also spits water. The cartouche below represents papal symbols--tiara and keys.

Mannerist folly
Mannerist sculptures, while often erotic, often depict joking absurdities--here the sea nymphs/mermaids whose breasts spray arcing streams of water.

See also Giovanni Bologna's Mercury and his Rape of the Sabine Women.

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© 2006 Mary Ann Sullivan. I have photographed (on site), scanned, and manipulated all the images on these pages. Please feel free to use them for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes.

		Large multi-figured fountain At the apex of this decorative fountain in the main square in Bologna is the striding figure of Neptune, god of the sea. He is silhouetted against the sky carrying the trident, his characteristic symbol.







Cupids or Erotes at mid level Here the fish spout water from this mid level. The disembodied head also spits water. The cartouche below represents papal symbols--tiara and keys.

		Mannerist folly Mannerist sculptures, while often erotic, often depict joking absurdities--here the sea nymphs/mermaids whose breasts spray arcing streams of water.