Spout of a fountain

myminifactory

This elegant spout originates from the majestic Ducal Palace in Lucca, likely serving as a component of a grand wall fountain. During the Renaissance, there was a significant surge in innovation regarding the use of bronze for sculptural masterpieces. This versatile metal was employed to craft an array of functional objects such as candlesticks, inkstands, snuffers, bells, and lanterns, alongside purely decorative pieces like statuettes. In this present object, form meets function seamlessly. Possibly fed from a cistern above, the mask and pipe expertly channelled water to cascade freely over a wall, probably into a basin below. Many surviving Renaissance bronze sculptures pay deliberate homage to classical motifs, and the union of a lion and grotesque serpent on the present water spout skillfully combines two decorative elements deeply rooted in Roman antiquity. The creation of this spout is unlikely to be the work of a single artist; instead, it was likely the collaborative effort of multiple individuals: the designer, modeller, founder, and finisher, each contributing their unique expertise.