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Fountain of Neptune

Fountain of Neptune in Madrid is a neoclassical fountain representing the god Neptune. It stands at the center of the roundabout that popularly bears its name, within Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo. The monument was proposed in 1777, and construction began in 1782 and was completed in 1786. Originally, it stood at the bottom of Carrera de San Jerónimo, facing the Fountain of Cibeles. In 1898, it was moved to its present location in the center of the square. It is one of the five large sculptural groups designed for the Prado promenade by Ventura Rodríguez, alongside the Fountain of Cibeles, the Fountain of Apollo, the Four Fountains, and the Fountain of the Artichoke.

The Fountain of Neptune in Madrid with Neptune standing on a shell, flanked by two sea-horse figures and surrounded by jets of water.
The Fountain of Neptune in Madrid sprays water around Neptune and his sea-horse chariot.
September 2014 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Fountain of Neptune in Madrid with a crowned figure holding a trident and horses surrounded by tall water jets.
The Fountain of Neptune in Madrid framed by strong water jets and the surrounding cityscape.
May 2017 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Fountain of Neptune statue with a crowned bearded figure holding a trident beside a strong water jet.
The Fountain of Neptune shows a crowned, bearded figure holding a trident beside a powerful stream of water.
© · CC BY 3.0
The Fountain of Neptune illuminated at night, with a crowd gathered around the monument.
The Fountain of Neptune lit up at night as a crowd gathers around the monument.
© · Public domain
The Fountain of Neptune lit with rainbow-colored water jets at night.
The Fountain of Neptune glows with rainbow lighting during a nighttime celebration.
July 2018 © · CC BY 4.0

Identification

NameFountain of Neptune
TypeFountain
Spanish nameFuente de Neptuno

Historical context

StyleNeoclassical
Commissioned as part ofThe urban modernization and embellishment of Madrid under Charles III, as part of the works for the Paseo del Prado and Salón del Prado
Associated sculptural groupsFountain of Cibeles, Fountain of Apollo, the Four Fountains, and the Fountain of the Artichoke

Creator

DesignerVentura Rodríguez
SculptorJuan Pascual de Mena
Other sculptors involvedJosé Arias, José Rodríguez, Pablo de la Cerda, and José Guerra

Discovery and provenance

Relocated to current site1898
Model used for the designWooden sketches by Miguel Ximénez
Drawing provenanceA drawing by Ventura Rodríguez is preserved at the Municipal Museum of Madrid, where it entered from the Archivo de Villa in 1926
Current locationCenter of the roundabout in Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, Madrid, Spain
Original locationAt the lower end of Carrera de San Jerónimo, facing the Fountain of Cibeles
Construction period1780 to 1786
Design date1777 or 1782

Physical characteristics

FormA circular basin or pylon with the sculptural group at its center
Central figureNeptune, the Roman god of the sea
DepictionNeptune rides a shell-shaped carriage pulled by two hippocampi, with seals and dolphins around it
AttributesNeptune holds a trident and a sea snake
Water effectThe seals and dolphins spray jets of water to a great height

Materials

MaterialWhite marble from Montesclaros (Toledo)

Technique

Maximum water capacity305 m3

Iconography and meaning

Mythological basisGreco-Roman mythology
Possible symbolismThe figure may allude to Charles III's reform of the Navy

Location and ownership

Popular name of roundaboutThe roundabout is popularly named after the fountain
Cultural useGathering place for Atlético Madrid supporters to celebrate titles and victories

History and restoration

Historical incidentsDuring the Spanish Civil War, a sign reading 'Give me food or take away my fork' was hung around Neptune's neck; in 2012 the fountain's waters were dyed red during a trade union demonstration
Celebratory exampleAfter Atlético Madrid won La Liga in 2014, captain Gabi climbed the statue and draped a club flag over the trident and a club scarf around Neptune's head

Significance

ClassificationMonument in Madrid