The Fountain of Neptune (Spanish: Fuente de Neptuno) is a neoclassical fountain located in Madrid, Spain. It lies on the centre of the Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo [es], a roundabout in the Paseo del Prado. The sculptural group in its centre represents Neptune, a Roman water deity.
Fountain of Neptune | |
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Spanish: Fuente de Neptuno | |
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Artist | Juan Pascual de Mena |
Year | 1781–1786 |
Medium | White marble |
Movement | Neoclassicism |
Subject | Neptune |
Location | Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo [es], Madrid, Spain |
Coordinates | 40.415268°N 3.694153°W / 40.415268; -3.694153 |
Designed by Ventura Rodríguez,[1] the sculpture—made of white marble from Montesclaros—was commissioned to Juan Pascual de Mena.[2] Sculptural works began in 1781.[3] Following the master's death in April 1784,[4] the fountain was finished in October 1786 by his disciples.[5]
The fountain is formed by a circular pylon with the sculptural group in its centre. The crowned Roman god wields a trident with one hand while he grabs a sea snake with the other hand.[6]
It has a maximum water capacity of 305 m3.[1]
The fountain is the site where the Atlético Madrid's fans celebrate the team's trophies.[7]