A warm basin of porridge. It might not sound like much but it’s at the heart of the story behind the Fontaine Fischart.
Right here stands the Fontaine Fischart. It commemorates a remarkable event and a celebrated writer. This fountain is more than just stone and water. It is a tribute to Strasbourg’s history.
The Fontaine Fischart is a memorial to Johann Fischart. Fischart was a writer from Strasbourg. He lived from 1546 or 1547 to 1591. Fischart was known for his satirical writings. He often targeted the papacy and the Jesuits. Fischart first leaned towards Lutheranism. Later, he defended Calvinist ideas.
Fischart’s works often made fun of the fashions of the time. His most famous work is “Affentheurlich Naupengeheurliche Geschichtklitterung”. This was a free adaptation of François Rabelais’ “Gargantua”.
But what connects Fischart to that warm porridge? In 1576, citizens from Zurich made an amazing journey. They brought a basin of porridge to Strasbourg. It was still warm after a day’s travel. Fischart wrote about this event in “Das glückhafft Schiff von Zürich”. The Ship of Good Fortune from Zurich is one of his best narrative poems.
The people of Zurich traveled by boat. They wanted to show their support for Strasbourg. The city was facing challenges. The warm porridge symbolized their friendship. The Fontaine Fischart is also known as the Zurich Fountain. It stands in Place du pont aux chats. This is in the Krutenau district. The fountain features a bust of Johann Fischart.
The inscription reminds us of the journey of the people of Zurich. It reads: “Zur Erinnerung an die Fahrt der Züricher mit dem Hirsebrei 1576.” This translates to “In memory of the journey of the Zurichers with the millet porridge 1576.” The fountain was erected in 1884.
Fischart was a prolific writer. He produced around one hundred works. These included satires and polemics. He passionately supported the Protestant cause. Fischart attacked Catholicism in his writings. He criticized the institutions and customs of the clergy.
Johann Fischart was a master of wordplay. He was famous for inventing words. He even coined the term “Gänsewein” for water. Many of his works are examples of Grobianism. Grobianism is a style of writing that is satirical. It is often crude and comical.
Fischart’s influence extends beyond his writings. A street in Strasbourg is named after him. Schools in the Meinau district also bear his name.
The Fontaine Fischart captures a moment of unity. It reminds us of Fischart’s sharp wit. It also honors the enduring bond between Strasbourg and Zurich.
As you stand here consider the stories. Think about the writer and the warm porridge. The Fontaine Fischart invites us to remember the past.