The Fountains of Bernini:
'A Friend of the Waters'

---

The great Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) once described himself as 'Un amico delle Acque' and in terms of the number of fountains he created in Rome a friend of the waters he certainly proved to be. 

Neptune & Triton

Neptune and Triton (1622-23), which was Bernini's first fountain, was created for the gardens of the Villa Montalto, which once stood on the site of Stazione Termini. The sculpture is now on display in the V&A in London. 

---

Fontana della Barcaccia

---

Fountain of the Triton 

---

Fountain of the Bees

---

Fountain of the Four Rivers

---

Fountain of the Moor

The fountain at the southern end of Piazza Navona, which stands directly in front of what was once the Palazzo Pamphilj, was designed by Giacomo della Porta (1532-1602) for Pope Gregory XIII (r. 1572-85). The centrepiece of the fountain was designed by Bernini at the bidding of Pope Innocent X, who was a member of the Pamphilj family. The sculpture, which was executed by Giovanni Antonio Mari (c.1630-61), takes the form of a large male nude grasping the tail of a fish. 

---

Palazzo Antamoro

The wall-fountain in the courtyard of the Palazzo Antamoro was created for Paolo Strada, confidential chamberlain to Pope Clement IX (1667-69), who, in recognition of service, was given the right to a private supply of water from the Acqua Felice.  

---