Why does this square bear the name of Joseph Étienne? The Place Joseph Étienne holds a captivating secret. It is linked to a stunning fountain. This fountain features Amphitrite.
Let’s uncover the story of the Fontaine d’Amphitrite. It graces the Place Joseph Étienne. The square was once called Place Dumarsais. The fountain’s theme celebrates the Triumph of Amphitrite.
Originally it was intended to be crafted from bronze. The fountain was ultimately made from Carrara marble. It was inaugurated in 1906. The Fontaine d’Amphitrite features a large four-lobed basin. A monumental pedestal supports the representation of Amphitrite. She stands with her arm raised toward the city. At her feet a triton blows a conch shell. He announces the goddess of the seas.
The pedestal is adorned with four rams’ head-decorated rostrums. They are at its base. Cartouches above display the names of ships. These ships belonged to the shipowner Joseph Étienne. They include Le Cèdre, La Clarisse Louise, Le Goéland, and le Nicolas Etienne Jeune.
In Greek mythology Amphitrite was a Nereid. She was the daughter of Nereus and Doris. According to some sources, she was the daughter of Dioné. Amphitrite became the wife of Poseidon. The Romans assimilated her to Salacia. Salacia was the goddess of saltwater.
Auguste Carli created the Fontaine d’Amphitrite. He was the elder brother of sculptor François Carli. Auguste studied under sculptor Émile Aldebert. In 1890 he won the competition of the École des Beaux-Arts of Marseille. This award earned him a grant. It allowed him to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He trained in Jules Cavelier’s workshop.
In 1896 Carli received the second Prix de Rome. His compatriot Constant-Ambroise Roux won the top prize. This limited Carli’s Parisian opportunities. He received his first state commission on January 30, 1900. It was for two figures of playing children. These were for the Grand Palais in Paris.
Carli established himself in Marseille. He worked on various projects. These included the staircase of the Gare Saint-Charles. He also worked on the Caisse d’Épargne. For the Caisse d’Épargne building in Marseille Carli sculpted a high relief. It stands at the intersection of Place Estrangin and Cours Pierre Puget. The allegory of Savings is represented by a draped woman. She holds a booklet. She offers it to a blacksmith. He gives her a purse of savings. In the background are a farmer and a sower. An elderly couple holds hands. They benefit from foresight.
Carli created several religious works. These include La lutte de Jacob et de l’Ange and Le Christ et sainte Véronique. The latter sculpture was displayed at the Exposition coloniale of 1906. It shows the pain on Christ’s face. It also depicts Saint Veronica’s restrained suffering. Le Christ et sainte Véronique is inside the Basilique Sainte-Marie-Majeure in Marseille.
The Place Joseph Étienne, therefore, offers a glimpse into Marseille’s artistic history. It also honors a local benefactor. So, remember Joseph Étienne. He is the man who gifted this beautiful fountain to the city. The city then honored him by naming this place after him.