Fountain of The Four Rivers
Rome would not be the same today without the artistic impact of Gianlorenzo Bernini. While a man of many artistic abilities, Bernini’s sculptures are among his best works. It was during the Baroque era in the seventeenth century that the artistically versatile Bernini transformed the streets and churches of Rome with his sculptures and unique architectural designs. One outstanding example of Bernini’s mastery is the Four Rivers, a fountain that resides in Piazza Navona. As per the request of Pope Innocent X, several models for a fountain featuring an Egyptian obelisk, dug up from the Circus of Maxentius, were submitted to him. Unknowingly, Innocent chose Bernini’s design, which should not even have been allowed to be submitted due to Innocent’s initial despise of Bernini. It was between 1648 and 1651 that Bernini and several assistants constructed the Four Rivers, using a limestone material known as travertine. This sculpture represents an incredible island that rose from the ground, which is the mythical source of four great rivers. These rivers include the Danube of Europe, the Nile of Africa, the Plate of South America, and the Ganges of India. A large and floundering figure of a river god personifies each river. Innocent’s obelisk serves at the pinnacle object of the fountain while animals, rocks, plants, and other natural qualities beautify this structure. Bernini’s unique use of holes for water, light, and air passageways create a magical scene as the obelisk appears to be floating. The majestic appearance of this fountain is what fascinates me about it. Today, people are continually amazed and energized by the astounding site of the Four Rivers, Bernini’s most famous fountain.
Renée Cloutier, Survey of Art and Architecture, St. John’s University
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