Wheel on Neptune's chariot with Zodiac signs
Fountain of Neptune by Bartolomeo Ammannati
Piazza della Signoria
Florence, December 2009
“At first glance, the Zodiac signs engraved on Neptune’s chariot follow a traditional pattern starting with Aries and ending with Virgo; however, after closer examination, the depiction of Virgo does not follow a traditional representation of Virgo as Virgin, but instead depicts her as a bride. Additionally, Virgo is presented with a unicorn seated on her lap. The combination of these two unusual elements alludes to biblical symbolism. These two figures are anointing this fountaining as a baptistry and proclaiming the water’s purity. Philosophers such as Andrea Bacci suggest that the Virgo in Ammannati's fountain is representing Christ’s bride and the unicorn represents the Christ child. Due to the well-established association of purity with both Virgo and unicorns, Ammannati’s combination of these two figures creates a clear representation of Christ’s purity. In Greek mythology, the unicorn’s purity was so strong that even by placing the tip of its horn in water, it could purify the most toxic water. In Virgo’s right hand we see a loaf of bread where an ear of corn usually lies, furthering the idea that this fountain is being proclaimed as a baptistry.” (Fountain of Neptune, Wikipedia)
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