Marvelous isn’t it? This magnificent fountain before us is the Fontaine Bartholdi. It wasn’t always here in Lyon though. Its journey is as captivating as its sculpted form.
The Fontaine Bartholdi was originally commissioned for Bordeaux. Frederic Auguste Bartholdi the same sculptor who gave us the Statue of Liberty designed this masterpiece. It was intended to celebrate the Garonne River and its four tributaries. The design featured France as Marianne a powerful woman guiding a chariot pulled by four spirited horses. The entire fountain weighing a hefty 21 tons is made of lead supported by an iron frame.
However there was a snag. Bordeaux deemed the fountain too expensive. They refused to pay. Lyon Bartholdi’s arch-rival saw an opportunity. They acquired the fountain. It was unveiled in Lyon in 1892. The irony? Bordeaux sits on one river the Garonne. Lyon sits proudly on two the Rhône and the Saône. The symbolism of the fountain didn’t quite fit its new home.
Imagine the whispers that must have followed its installation. Local Lyonnaise residents were perplexed. Why four horses for a city with two rivers? The answer is a testament to the fountain’s unexpected journey. The Fontaine Bartholdi stands as a reminder that sometimes the most beautiful stories are born from unforeseen circumstances. It is a symbol of Lyon’s ambition and its enduring spirit.
The Fontaine Bartholdi underwent extensive restoration in 2015. The lead sculptures had warped and fractured. The iron frame was rusted. The project cost 2 750 000 euros. The fountain however was returned to its place in December 2017. Now fully restored it stands as a testament to Lyon’s rich history and its artistic heritage.
Look closely at the detail. The horses’ wild energy. Marianne’s regal posture. The intricate water features. The Fontaine Bartholdi continues to enchant visitors. It is a true jewel. A symbol of the unexpected twists and turns of fate and of Lyon itself. A perfect blend of history and art. Its story speaks volumes about the beauty of resilience and adaptability.