When we went to Luxembourg gardens, it was impossible to miss the beautiful Medici Fountain. Created by Marie de Medici, wife of Henry IV and original creator of the gardens, in the 17th century, the fountain has undergone many changes over the years. According to the official page of the French Senate (who’s building is located right next to the fountain), Marie de Medici built it as just a cave without any figures inside and was influenced by caves in her home of Italy. In the early 19th century the cave was remodeled and turned into a fountain with a small basin of water in front of it. The biggest change came in 1862, when development of the area around the gardens led to the fountain being moved stone by stone to where it sits now next to the senate building.
After the statue was moved, the figures inside where added. The main arch depicts Acis and Galatheus, lovers from greek mythology. Towering above them in bronze is Polyphemus, a cyclops who was in love with Galatheus and in his jealousy killed Acis with a rock. The fountain shows, very dramatically, the cyclops, rock in hand, crouching over the couple.
While a murder scene is a bit of a dark choice but I really love this statue. Polyphemus stands out in bronze while everything else is in marble and looks really dynamic leaning over with a rock in his hand. For this reason I would give it 5/5 stars.
Jenna, I also really enjoyed this fountain. I agree the difference in material does make him stand out. I also was wondering how they moved the entire fountain, it must’ve taken FOREVER. I also really enjoyed the backside of it, the “swan” (lol), and the ducklings that have made their home.