In the heart of Lyon, France, at Place des Terreaux, stands the magnificent Fontaine Bartholdi, a testament to artistic prowess and historical significance. This monumental fountain, created by the renowned sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, was inaugurated in 1892 and has since become a symbol of the city, captivating locals and tourists alike with its grandeur and intricate details.
The story of the Fontaine Bartholdi begins with an ambitious project in Bordeaux. In 1857, Bordeaux sought to commission a grand fountain for the Place des Quinconces. A young Bartholdi, then just 23 years old, won the competition with a design inspired by the Apollo Basin at Versailles. However, the project did not come to fruition, and Bordeaux ultimately chose a different design for their monument to the Girondins in 1894.
Undeterred, Bartholdi continued to refine his design. After the success of his Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, the mayor of Bordeaux approached him again in 1886 to revive the fountain project. Despite finalizing the design, Bordeaux abandoned the plan once more. Not willing to let his vision go unfulfilled, Bartholdi proceeded to create the fountain, completing it in 1888 with the help of Gaget & Gauthier, the same firm that assisted with the Statue of Liberty.
Bartholdi showcased his masterpiece at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris, where it caught the eye of Lyon’s mayor, Antoine Gailleton. Impressed by its grandeur, Gailleton tasked Deputy Édouard Aynard with negotiating the purchase. Despite some initial disappointment over the price, Bartholdi agreed to sell the fountain to Lyon for 100,000 francs. The fountain was installed on the Place des Terreaux, replacing an earlier fountain, and was inaugurated on September 22, 1892.
The Fontaine Bartholdi is a marvel of both artistic and engineering achievement. Weighing a total of 360 tons, the fountain consists of two basins and a central statue weighing 21 tons. The statue, standing 4.85 meters high with a span of 9 meters, is supported by an iron framework clad in a 4 mm thick lead skin. This skin is composed of two layers: a thin lead sheet and a lead-tin alloy layer, creating a robust yet intricate structure.
The fountain's design is an allegory of France and its four major rivers, represented by four dynamic horses. At the center sits Amphitrite, the Greek goddess of the sea, symbolizing France, accompanied by a child representing the Dordogne River. The horses, symbolizing the Garonne and its tributaries, seem to leap out of the water, adding a sense of movement and vitality to the sculpture.
Crafted by the fonderies Gaget, Gauthier et Cie, the same artisans behind the Statue of Liberty, the fountain’s sculptures were created using advanced techniques of repoussé and chasing, ensuring detailed and lifelike forms. The horses’ nostrils even emit mist, enhancing the illusion of their dynamic motion.
In 1992, the city of Lyon undertook a significant renovation of Place des Terreaux, including the construction of an underground parking garage. As part of this project, the Fontaine Bartholdi was relocated to the northern side of the square, facing the Musée des Beaux-Arts. This new placement aligns with the designers’ vision of the fountain’s water flowing from the Croix-Rousse hills towards the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Recognized as a historical monument on September 29, 1995, the fountain underwent another major restoration starting in 2016 due to extensive wear and damage. The restoration, funded with a budget of 2.75 million euros, involved dismantling the statue, reinforcing its internal structure, and repairing the lead skin. The restoration was completed in 2018, with the fountain being re-inaugurated on March 22 of that year.
The Fontaine Bartholdi is not only a stunning work of art but also a technical marvel. The fountain's design combines classical and baroque elements, showcasing Bartholdi's innovative approach. The interplay of water and sculpture creates a dynamic and captivating scene, with the horses appearing to surge forward, driven by the powerful currents of the rivers they represent.
Originally, the fountain was supplied with water from the city's network, but in 1907, a closed-circuit system was installed. This system, powered by an electric pump, recirculates the water, ensuring a continuous and sustainable flow.
Visiting the Fontaine Bartholdi is a must for anyone exploring Lyon. Located in the bustling Place des Terreaux, the fountain offers a serene yet majestic presence amidst the city's vibrant life. Whether you visit during the day or at night, when the fountain is beautifully illuminated, the sight of Amphitrite and her powerful horses is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The surrounding square, with its cafes and shops, provides the perfect setting to sit and admire the fountain while soaking in the atmosphere of Lyon. The nearby Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses a terracotta model of the Statue of Liberty, offers further insights into Bartholdi's work and the artistic heritage of the city.
In conclusion, the Fontaine Bartholdi is more than just a fountain; it is a symbol of artistic excellence, historical resilience, and the enduring spirit of Lyon. Its intricate design, dynamic composition, and rich history make it a captivating attraction for visitors from around the world. So, when in Lyon, take a moment to marvel at this extraordinary masterpiece and let its beauty and grandeur transport you to a time of artistic innovation and cultural splendor.
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