Fountain of Neptune
Plaza de las Cortes, Madrid, Spain
Description:
The central decoration of the square of Canovas del Castillo, its architectural dominant is the magnificent fountain of Neptune, crowned with a statue of the ancient god of the seas Neptune. It was built by decree of King Carlos III in 1780-1784, almost simultaneously with the famous Sibelis fountain. Its author was the sculptor Juan Pascual de Mena, who created his creation based on the sketches of Ventura Rodriguez.
The fountain was originally located elsewhere and was moved to the center of the square in 1898. The main figure of Neptune is made in full growth, he holds a trident in his hands and controls a chariot drawn by a pair of horses.