Fonte Monumental

Sculpted in marble, a fisherman stands, captivated by the allure of three sirens. This is the Fonte Monumental, also known as the “Fonte das Lagostas” (Fountain of Lobsters). Located in Praça Júlio de Mesquita, the Fonte Monumental is more than just a beautiful sculpture. It’s a symbol of São Paulo’s history, its struggles, and its aspirations. Commissioned in 1913 by the city government during a period of urban renewal, the Fonte Monumental holds a special distinction. It was the first monument in São Paulo’s public space created by a woman, the sculptor Nicolina Vaz de Assis Pinto do Couto. This was a significant achievement at a time when women had limited representation in the art world. The fountain’s creation was a long and arduous process, spanning over a decade. Marked by delays and disputes, the project faced several setbacks. Disagreements between Nicolina and the Italian company hired to execute the monument, along with the outbreak of World War I, contributed to the extended timeline. The pressure mounted on Nicolina. By 1923, the city demanded the fountain’s completion, threatening her with financial penalties if she failed to deliver. Finally, in 1927, fourteen years after it was commissioned, the Fonte Monumental was inaugurated. The inauguration coincided with the renaming of the square, formerly Praça Vitória, to Praça Júlio de Mesquita, honoring the founder of the newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo. The fountain’s design is striking. Two marble basins are stacked upon each other. Atop the central axis stands the fisherman, encircled by the enchanting sirens. Marble flowers and bronze gargoyles adorn the upper basin. The lower basin features marble shells interspersed with bronze lobsters, crafted by sculptor Roque de Mingo. These lobsters have become a beloved symbol of the fountain. Their popularity even inspired a song by Adoniran Barbosa and Tasso Rangel, “Roubaram a lagosta” (They Stole the Lobster), which recounts the thefts these bronze crustaceans have endured. Sadly, the Fonte Monumental has faced numerous acts of vandalism. Theft, graffiti, and neglect have taken their toll. The bronze lobsters were eventually replaced with resin replicas, the originals stored safely away. The fountain’s plight led to public outcry and demands for restoration. Protective glass panels were installed, a measure previously taken in the 1980s with metal grates. These protective barriers, while necessary, raise questions about accessibility and the disconnection they create between the monument and its urban environment. Yet, despite these challenges, the Fonte Monumental endures. It stands as a testament to São Paulo’s resilience, a symbol of its past, and a hopeful beacon for its future. A “jewel of the city,” as it’s been called, the Fonte Monumental reminds us of the power of art to endure, even in the face of adversity.