Fonticine

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Detail of the fountains
Fonticine tabernacle
Via Nazionale
Florence, October 2015

“The Fonticine tabernacle, located in via Nazionale, unites two italian traditional elements: fountains and tabernacles (the latter can usually be found on street corners and are devoted to the Virgin Mary). Made by Girolamo and perhaps Giovanni della Robbia in 1522, it was give its name for the presence of the seven little fountains in the shape of heads of cherubs that pour water into the marble basin below. Originally it was nearby via Santa Caterina d'Alessandria, but was dismantled and reassembled in its actual position around 1850. Its unusual dimensions and shape make this a very original fountain for Florence. Above the basin of the fountain, the tabernacle - a monumental Della Robbia masterpiece - is modelled in the typical polychrome glazed terracotta. It represents a Madonna and Child among the saints Jacopo, Lorenzo, Giovannino, Barbara and Caterina d'Alessandria At the top are the Eternal Father and the Holy Spirit with adoring angels, and among the fruit and leaves of the frame, are the heads and figures of saints. Most people pass by it without even noticing this masterpiece, due to its position in a very busy street, but now that you know of its existence, you should definitely stop by and take a good look at this beautiful fountain as well!” (Le Fonticine, Leonardo da Vinci ARt School)