The Fountain of Minerva in Brussels, Belgium

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The Minerva Fountain (Dutch: Minervafontein) stands proudly on the Place du Grand Sablon in Brussels. It was a gift from Lord Thomas Bruce, 2nd Earl of Ailesbury and 3rd Earl of Elgin, to express his gratitude for the warm hospitality he received during his exile. The sculpture was crafted by Jacques Bergé and replaced an earlier fountain that had stood since 1751, built in 1661 on a site once known as Zavelpoel, a swampy area. On either side of the base, two Latin inscriptions catch the eye. These were penned by writer Roberic de Cologne, a trusted advisor to Duke Charles de Lorraine. The first text thanks the city for its generous hospitality during Lord Bruce's 40-year stay. It reads: "In recognition of enjoyable and wholesome hospitality (Hospitio jucondo and salubri), this fountain was erected." The second inscription notes that his son John Bruce, having regained control of his father's estate, completed these provisions in 1751, a year marked by peace throughout the land. The main faces of the base feature coats of arms bearing the Ailesbury crest. At their base, two statues pour water into a basin supported by bluestone stairs. Masks are engraved with the first three and last three letters of the Latin phrase "Fuimus," which means "we were." This phrase is a nod to the family motto Bruce, recalling their reign as kings of Scotland in the 14th century. Atop the base stands a marble group created by Jacques Bergé, featuring the goddess Minerva sitting amidst a medallion bearing portraits of Empress Maria Theresa and Francis of Lorraine. Two putti, representing geniuses, stand beside her - one holding a trumpet symbolizing Fame and the other a pitcher representing the Scheldt River. Behind Minerva stands a third genius, holding a spear (now missing) and shield featuring the head of Medusa. The group was placed on November 4, 1751, the Day of St Charles Borromeo. It bears the signature of J. Bergé Bruxell and the date 1751. This remarkable object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative by MyMiniFactory to create a digital archive of fully printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access. This project was scanned using photogrammetry technology (Processed using Agisoft PhotoScan), making it available for free online. If you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help build this community-driven archive.