Sculptpedia Statues, Busts and Sculptures Park sculptures and installations Ancient World & Antiquity Middle Ages & Renaissance Marble & Other Stones Bronze & Other Metals

Neptune Fountain

Neptune Fountain is an artificial basin in the park of the Palace of Versailles, named after the Roman god Neptune. It stands in alignment with the Water Walk and the Dragon Basin, at the northern end of a south-north axis that includes the Swiss Lake, the Orangery Parterre, and the Water Parterres. The basin was built between 1679 and 1681 under the direction of Le Nôtre, and was then called the "Lower Dragon Pond." During the reign of Louis XV, it was modified. In 1736, Ange-Jacques Gabriel slightly altered its layout, and in 1740 three groups of lead sculptures were installed, including works by Nicolas Sébastien Adam, Lambert Sigisbert Adam, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, and Edmé Bouchardon.

Neptune Fountain in Versailles with mythological sculptures and cascading water, set before a formal garden path leading toward the palace.
The Neptune Fountain at Versailles, with its ornate central sculptures and the grand garden axis rising behind it.
June 2011 © · CC BY-SA 3.0
Neptune Fountain at Versailles with tall water jets rising from the basin
Neptune Fountain at Versailles, showing the grand basin and high sprays of water.
1858 © Rijksmuseum · CC0
The Neptune Fountain beside a wide ornamental basin, with sculpted figures and creatures along the far wall
The Neptune Fountain viewed across a reflective ornamental basin, with decorative sculpture and urns framed by trees.
© Ladrey, E. · CC BY 4.0
Neptune Fountain at Versailles with a large basin, decorative stone urns, and a trimmed tree hedge under a blue sky.
Neptune Fountain at the Palace of Versailles, framed by formal hedges and stone ornaments.
July 2016 © · CC0
Crowd gathered in front of the Neptune Fountain with tall water jets rising in the background.
People gather before the Neptune Fountain as water jets rise behind them.
1893 © · Public domain

Identification

TitleNeptune Fountain
TypeArtificial basin / fountain basin
Original nameBasin of Neptune (Pièce d'eau sous le Dragon)

Location and ownership

LocationPark of the Palace of Versailles, France
Position in the gardenAt the northern end of the south-north axis including the Swiss Pond, the Orangery Parterre, and the Water Parterres; aligned with the Water Walk and the Dragon Basin

Iconography and meaning

Named afterThe Roman god Neptune

Historical context

Built1679–1681

Creator

Sculpture group 1 artistsNicolas Sébastien Adam and Lambert Sigisbert Adam
SupervisionAndré Le Nôtre
Sculpture group 3 artistEdmé Bouchardon
Sculpture group 2 artistJean-Baptiste Lemoyne

History and restoration

Modified duringThe reign of Louis XV
Sculptural additionsIn 1740, three lead sculpture groups were installed: Neptune and Amphitrite, The God of the Ocean, and Proteus
Layout altered byAnge-Jacques Gabriel slightly changed the layout in 1736

Materials

MaterialLead

Appearance

Water displaysImportant and varied fountains

Significance

ReceptionIt aroused the admiration of the court