Oceanus Fountain
Artistafter
Jean de Boulogne (Giambologna)
(Flemish, 1529 – 1608)
Maker
Unknown
Dateearly 20th century
MediumMarble
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineBequest of John Ringling, 1936
Object numberSN11150.5
Built for the Boboli Gardens in Florence, Giambologna’s <i>Oceanus Fountain</i> features a large bowl (<i>tazza grande</i>) into which three figures, usually identified as river gods or perhaps representing the Ages of Man, pour water from leaning vases. The figure surmounting the fountain, at times interpreted as the titan Oceanus, is more likely the sea god Neptune, who plants his right foot on the back of a dolphin, one of the god’s principal attributes. In his right hand he carries a baton, a symbol of military power indicating Neptune’s command over all seas and waterways, and doubtless an allusion to the martial and engineering might of Florence under the rule of Cosimo I de’ Medici (ruled 1569-1574). In his left hand, Neptune clasps to his thigh a conch shell and a clump of coral, reminders of the richness of the oceans.
On View
On viewLocation
- Museum of Art, Courtyard
