Have you ever seen a bust with two faces? Stand right here, in front of the Fontaine du Marché-aux-Carmes, and you’ll find one. It seems to be gazing out over the bustling square Gabriel-Pierné today, a place overflowing with life. But did you know this fountain has a story brimming with history? In 1830, it was originally built to provide drinking water for a bustling marketplace called the Marché-aux-Carmes. Imagine, a lively marketplace filled with the aromas of fresh produce, laughter, and the bargaining of vendors. This fountain would have been the central meeting point for Parisians seeking the necessities of life. But in 1930, the market was demolished. The fountain, sculpted by Alexandre-Évariste Fragonard, didn’t vanish. It moved to this very square.
The bust on top is a real showstopper. It appears to be a portrait of a woman with two different expressions. One face depicts Abundance, a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The other side embodies Commerce, hinting at the market’s importance. The two faces, one looking towards the Seine and the other facing the inner city, are a reminder of the fountain’s dual purpose. The stone is weathered from centuries, showing signs of its enduring strength from the past. The fountain was inscribed as a historical monument in 1952, and still stands here, silently witnessing Paris’ change over time. As you leave this square, you’ll have more than just a fountain to remember. You’ll have a glimpse into a world where water was a precious commodity, and a marketplace a vibrant centre of Parisian life.