Neptune's Fountain

by - 13.2.08

neptune fountain
24 June 2004

This is the Neptune fountain (viewed from the right side), Schloss Schönbrunn. The vast grotto is located at the foot of the hill foiled with trees but was not the case in the beginning. The building of the fountain and grotto started in 1776 and was finished 4 years later.
At the centre of the figural group above a rocky grotto stands Neptune in a shell-shaped chariot, his trident in his hand. To his left is a nymph, while on his right kneels the sea-goddess Thetis, entreating Neptune to favour the voyage of her son, Achilles, who has set off to conquer Troy. Frolicking at the foot of the grotto are the Tritons, creatures who are half-man and half-fish, and belong to Neptune's entourage. They hold conch shell trumpets with which they can inspire fear in both man and beast, and are restraining the hippocampi or sea-horses who draw Neptune's chariot across the seas.
(Schönbrunn.at)

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8 comments

  1. a beautiful fountain!

    splendid statues; I prefer the photograph with water

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  2. I also prefer it Bergson, I will definitely take better photos this summer. The first photo here is when most of the Palace and Gardens were being renovated...

    Thanks for dropping by!

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  3. I enjoy seeing the details at your superbigphoto!!

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  4. I like them both.
    Thanks for visiting my blog.
    Have a great day

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  5. Thanks for explaining what the sculptures are, Mirage.
    I was awed by it when I saw it, but didn't know the story behind it.

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  6. Though my camera was not so good at capturing it uma por dia...but thanks.

    I think people can go there Jim, notice the cave-like door? I think that's were people passes through =D

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  7. anytime morpheus...I enjoy visiting your page!

    your welcome, murphy...the schönbrunn website provided this info.

    Good day to you all!

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