BRUSSELS, Belgium — A sculpted fountain by Gabriel Grupello (1644-1730) titled Fontaine Murale aux Dieux Marins (Wall Fountain with Sea Gods) (1675/76) on display at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. This Baroque masterpiece showcases mythological sea deities in an ornate wall fountain design.


Photograph by David Coleman. The Fontaine Murale aux Dieux Marins (Wall Fountain with Sea Gods), created by Gabriel Grupello in 1675/76, is a striking example of Baroque sculpture on display at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels. Grupello, a Flemish sculptor known for his dynamic and expressive style, crafted this ornate wall fountain as a showcase of his skill in depicting mythological themes and his mastery of sculptural techniques. The fountain likely features a central figure of Neptune or Triton, surrounded by various sea deities, nymphs, and aquatic creatures, all rendered in intricate detail. The composition probably exhibits the characteristic Baroque elements of movement, drama, and elaborate ornamentation. The sculpture's subject matter reflects the period's fascination with classical mythology and allegorical representations. As a wall fountain, the piece would have originally been designed to incorporate flowing water, adding a dynamic, sensory element to its visual impact. The work's presence in the museum highlights its significance in the canon of Flemish Baroque art and its importance as an example of 17th-century decorative sculpture. Grupello's fountain represents the intersection of fine art and functional design typical of grand architectural commissions of the period, offering visitors insight into the artistic tastes and sculptural techniques of the late 17th century.


Size: 4476px × 6706px
Location: Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, Brussels, Brussels Region, Belgium
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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