In 1647, Pope Innocent X Pamphilj held a contest to see who could build Rome the best fountain and obelisk. His goal was to make Rome into a more beautiful city and thus, he wanted the best architect he could find. When Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1589-1680) showed the Pope his design, he was immediately hired for the job. The fountain was titled La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or the Four Rivers Fountain. While the Four Rivers Fountain, located in the center of Piazza Navona, is one of the most famous fountains in Rome, Bernini also constructed several others throughout the city.
This fountain depicts four gods, each representing a different river for each continent, as they saw the world in that time period. The Nile, Gangus, Danube, and Rio de la Plata rivers represented Africa, Asia, Europe, and America respectively. Each god is also associated with a material item, to show what that river is known for or what it contributes. The god of the Nile has a piece of cloth covering his face, showing that the Nile is mysterious and little is known about its beginnings. The god representing the Gangus River is holding an oar, to show the navigability of that river. The god touching the Papal coat of arms represents the Danube river and shows that this river is closest and dearest to Rome itself. And lastly, the god of the Rio de la Plata river is sitting on coins and jewels, depicting that America is wealthy and can bring wealth to others.
While Bernini's work of art was not accepted during his lifetime, it is widely appreciated now and one of Rome's most famous fountains. During Pope Innocent X Pamphilj's reign, he taxed the people heavily to provide Bernini with his many supplies needed to construct the fountain. Because of this, the people looked at the fountain with contempt. Now however, it is seen for what it is: a beautiful piece of art bringing life to Piazza Navona.
Works Cited
"Fountain of Four Rivers (Bernini)." Rome.info Fountain of Four Rivers (by Bernini). N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.
"Four Rivers Fountain." About.com Italy Travel. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
This fountain depicts four gods, each representing a different river for each continent, as they saw the world in that time period. The Nile, Gangus, Danube, and Rio de la Plata rivers represented Africa, Asia, Europe, and America respectively. Each god is also associated with a material item, to show what that river is known for or what it contributes. The god of the Nile has a piece of cloth covering his face, showing that the Nile is mysterious and little is known about its beginnings. The god representing the Gangus River is holding an oar, to show the navigability of that river. The god touching the Papal coat of arms represents the Danube river and shows that this river is closest and dearest to Rome itself. And lastly, the god of the Rio de la Plata river is sitting on coins and jewels, depicting that America is wealthy and can bring wealth to others.
While Bernini's work of art was not accepted during his lifetime, it is widely appreciated now and one of Rome's most famous fountains. During Pope Innocent X Pamphilj's reign, he taxed the people heavily to provide Bernini with his many supplies needed to construct the fountain. Because of this, the people looked at the fountain with contempt. Now however, it is seen for what it is: a beautiful piece of art bringing life to Piazza Navona.
Works Cited
"Fountain of Four Rivers (Bernini)." Rome.info Fountain of Four Rivers (by Bernini). N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.
"Four Rivers Fountain." About.com Italy Travel. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.