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Piazza Navona and Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain |
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written
by ninamil7 / 09.29.2005 |
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Personal Observations |
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In researching the Piazza Navona and Four Rivers Fountain, I was especially interested in both the sheer skill of Bernini and also the amount of symbolism that was worked into the fountain. When I walked up to the fountain for the first time, I was struck with awe and admiration. Life-like movement was extracted from the marble and captured in nearly every element of the fountain. The lion crouched in a position about to drink water while the Ganges River God straddled an oar between his hands. All four river gods were frozen in very energetic poses adding an element of life to the fountain. The talent required to design and create such a work of art is beyond my understanding. Bernini carved the finishing touches on the travertine base, the lion, horse, and palm tree on site. This is an amazing feat considering the cramped, constricted space he had to work in.
The most enjoyable aspect of researching the Four Rivers Fountain was discovering the symbolism behind each figure carved on the fountain. From the covered Nile River God’s head to the lion and palm tree, every aspect of the fountain had a meaning behind it. To see the fountain as more than just aesthetically pleasing decoration and to know its symbols, meanings, and intentions proved to be the most rewarding part of my studies.
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