The Fontana dell’Acqua Felice is also known as the Fountain of Moses. It was designed by Domenico Fontana and was built in 1585-1588. This fountain is located in the Quirinale District of Rome, Italy. It marked the end of the Acqua Felice aqueduct which was restored by Pope Sixtus V.
The fountain was constructed in the form of a Roman triumphal arch. An inscription to honor Pope Sixtus, who was the builder, was featured. Beneath this inscription, angels are found holding the papal coat of arms. Sculptures of Old Testament subjects can be discovered under each of the three arches. A large statue of Moses is featured under the central arch. On the left side is a sculpture of Aaron and on the right side is a sculpture of Joshua. This is important because Aaron was Moses' brother. They worked together as a team to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua was the man who took over as leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses.
There is water flowing from the statues into basins. It is ironic that Moses is shown in the center of the fountain because in the Bible, there is an account of him striking a rock for water. Located in these basins are four lions spouting water. During the time of its creation, the statue of Moses was criticized for its large size. However, the political purpose of the fountain was reached. This political purpose was a statement of how the Catholic Church, unlike the Protestant Reformation, was helping to serve the needs of the Roman people. This fountain also reached its social goal which was to revive the Quirinal neighborhood. The area of rustic villas became an urban neighborhood due to the arrival of a water supply that was drinkable.
Works Cited
"Fontana Del Mose." Garden Fountains of Ancient Rome RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.
The fountain was constructed in the form of a Roman triumphal arch. An inscription to honor Pope Sixtus, who was the builder, was featured. Beneath this inscription, angels are found holding the papal coat of arms. Sculptures of Old Testament subjects can be discovered under each of the three arches. A large statue of Moses is featured under the central arch. On the left side is a sculpture of Aaron and on the right side is a sculpture of Joshua. This is important because Aaron was Moses' brother. They worked together as a team to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Joshua was the man who took over as leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses.
There is water flowing from the statues into basins. It is ironic that Moses is shown in the center of the fountain because in the Bible, there is an account of him striking a rock for water. Located in these basins are four lions spouting water. During the time of its creation, the statue of Moses was criticized for its large size. However, the political purpose of the fountain was reached. This political purpose was a statement of how the Catholic Church, unlike the Protestant Reformation, was helping to serve the needs of the Roman people. This fountain also reached its social goal which was to revive the Quirinal neighborhood. The area of rustic villas became an urban neighborhood due to the arrival of a water supply that was drinkable.
Works Cited
"Fontana Del Mose." Garden Fountains of Ancient Rome RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Apr. 2014.