Neptunbrunnen; Mitte, Berlin

By Matt On July 23, 2012 in Entries, Public Art ; Add Comment

Neptunbrunnen; Mitte, Berlin

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*Basics:*
Location:	Mitte, Berlin
Artist:	Reinhold Begas
Style:	Neo-Baroque
Height:	10 m (33 Feet)
Width:	18 m (59 Feet)
Material:	Bronze
Completed:	1891

This significant fountain pays homage to Neptune, the Roman God of the Sea, while creating a delightful attraction for patrons of the surrounding plaza.

Key Details:

The main figure is surrounded by four female figures, each representing one of the four primary rivers of Prussia; the Elbe, Oder, Rhine and Vistola. Several sea creatures surround the sculpture including a turtle, porpoise and crocodile.

The fountain was originally located in the Schlossplatz (Castle Square) in front of the Berliner Stadtschloss (Berlin City Palace) but was relocated to this location in 1969. The Stadtschloss was heavily damaged by bombing during WWII and was razed in 1950, though there are current plans for its reconstruction.

This fountain is largely considered to be the masterpiece of Reinhold Begas. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential German artists of the late 19th Century and created many other significant monuments throughout Berlin.

If You Go:

Neptunbrunnen is located close to a number of significant Berlin structures including the Marienkirche (Saint Mary’s Church) and the Rotes Rathaus (Red City Hall).

Source:

http://www.berlin.de/orte/sehenswuerdigkeiten/neptunbrunnen/