Fontana del Tritone

Work by Gian Lorenzo Bernini is located in Rome in Piazza Barberini

La Fontana del Tritone, work of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is one of the symbols of Roman Baroque. Located in the heart of Barberini Square in Rome, was created between 1642 and 1643 at the behest of Pope Urban VIII Barberini, the artist's great patron. This sculpture in travertine It is not only an ornamental element, but also an emblem of papal power and of the Barberini family, represented by the famous heraldic bees sculpted on the base.

The sculptural group depicts a mighty Triton Kneeling on a large shell supported by four intertwined dolphins, he blows into a trumpet from which water flows. The dynamic gesture, the sinuous movements, and the continuous dialogue between stone and water transform the square into a veritable urban stage, an extraordinary example of Bernini's creativity.

Meaning and symbolism

The iconography of the fountain is inspired by the Ovid's Metamorphoses: Triton, son of Poseidon, calms the flood by blowing into his conch shell. A clear reference to the power of Rome and the Church, capable of dominating and governing the natural elements. Barberini bees strengthen the bond with the clients, celebrating the papal dynasty.

Restoration and conservation

Over the centuries, the Triton Fountain has undergone numerous restorations, from the 20th century to the most recent in 2013, which brought the travertine's original colors back to life. Today, it remains one of Rome's most photographed sites, a destination for tourists and art and architecture enthusiasts.

The photo gallery on Archweb

The photo gallery we propose collects quality photographs which allow you to admire the Triton Fountain from different perspectives:

Overviews in the setting of Piazza Barberini
Sculptural details of dolphins, of the face of the Triton and of the Barberini bees
Games of light and water at different times of the day
Material details of travertine, with traces of time
Historical images
Night photography