Fontaine Bartholdi

Overview

At the heart of Place des Terreaux in Lyon, France, stands the magnificent Fontaine Bartholdi, a monumental sculpture that captivates visitors with its dynamic presence. Crafted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the celebrated sculptor behind New York's iconic Statue of Liberty, this fountain is a true masterpiece of 19th-century art. It depicts a powerful female figure, often interpreted as France or the Garonne River, commanding a chariot pulled by four spirited horses, symbolizing the nation's great rivers. Installed in 1892, the fountain has become an enduring symbol of Lyon, rich in history and intricate detail.

History & Cultural Background

The story of the Fontaine Bartholdi begins not in Lyon, but in Bordeaux, where Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi won a competition in 1857 at the young age of 23 to design a fountain for their Place Quinconces. Despite winning, the project was deemed too expensive by Bordeaux's city council, leading to its initial abandonment.

Years later, after Bartholdi achieved international acclaim with the Statue of Liberty in 1886, Bordeaux again considered commissioning the fountain. However, renewed hesitation and financial concerns meant the project remained stalled. In a stroke of fortune for Lyon, the city's mayor, Antoine Gailleton, recognized the fountain's artistic merit and seized the opportunity. Lyon acquired the fountain in 1890 after it was exhibited at the 1889 Exposition Universelle in Paris under the title 'Char triomphal de la Garonne' (Triumphal Chariot of the Garonne).

The 21-ton, 4.85-meter-high fountain, made of lead on an iron frame, was finally erected in Place des Terreaux in September 1892. It was initially placed opposite the Hôtel de Ville and later moved to its current central position in 1992. The Fontaine Bartholdi was classified as a 'monument historique' on September 29, 1995, recognizing its significant cultural and historical value.

What Makes It Special

The Fontaine Bartholdi is distinguished by its incredible artistry and technical ambition. Bartholdi chose the challenging medium of hammered lead over an iron frame for its construction, a technique that allows for remarkable detail and fluidity. The lead components themselves are surprisingly thin, often between 1 and 4 millimeters, demonstrating the sculptor's mastery.

The fountain's allegorical design features a woman seated in a chariot, guiding four powerful horses. This central figure is widely understood to represent France (or Marianne), or originally, the Garonne River. The four horses, straining forward with powerful energy, symbolize France's great rivers. When originally conceived for Bordeaux, they specifically represented the Garonne's four main tributaries: the Tarn, Ariège, Lot, and Gers. The dynamism captured in the heavy metal, with water cascading around the rearing horses, creates a vivid sense of movement and power.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

One of the most captivating stories surrounding the Fontaine Bartholdi is its journey from being twice rejected by Bordeaux to becoming a proud centerpiece of Lyon. This tale of 'another city's indecision' leading to Lyon's gain adds a fascinating layer to its history.

Interestingly, while the fountain was originally designed to represent the Garonne River, locals in Lyon often interpret the central female figure as embodying the Saône River, one of Lyon's two major waterways, showcasing how art's meaning can adapt to its surroundings. A significant restoration project, undertaken between 2015 and 2018, brought the fountain back to its original splendor. This extensive work, costing 2.75 million euros, included modern lighting systems and intricate repairs to the lead sculpture. During this restoration, a misting and fiber optics device was installed to recreate the effect of the horses' 'smoking nostrils' – a dynamic detail Bartholdi himself had envisioned but never fully achieved. As Didier Repellin, who oversaw the restoration, eloquently put it, 'Rodin brought life to bronze; Bartholdi brought life to lead,' highlighting the unique craftsmanship involved.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Fontaine Bartholdi offers a moment of reflection and appreciation for both art and history. As you approach Place des Terreaux, the fountain immediately draws the eye with its grandeur and vibrant sculptural narrative. Its prominent position in the square makes it an ideal focal point for photographs and a natural gathering spot. The intricate details of the horses and the commanding female figure are best observed up close, allowing you to appreciate Bartholdi's meticulous craftsmanship. At night, the fountain is beautifully illuminated, enhancing its dramatic effect and creating a magical ambiance in the square. Surrounded by the historic Hôtel de Ville and the Museum of Fine Arts, the fountain is an integral part of the vibrant cultural tapestry of Lyon, inviting curious travelers to pause and delve into its rich past.