Fontaine Molière

Can a fountain speak volumes? The Fontaine Molière, right here before us, certainly does. It whispers tales of a literary giant, Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, the man we know as Molière. This fountain isn’t just a Parisian landmark. It’s a tribute to the heart of French comedy and a pivotal moment in the city’s artistic history. Inaugurated on January 15, 1844, the Fontaine Molière stands at the crossroads of Rue Molière and Rue de Richelieu in the 1st arrondissement. This location is significant. Molière lived nearby, and the renowned Comédie-Française theater is just a stone’s throw away. The fountain was the brainchild of the Société des Gens de Lettres (SGDL), a literary society determined to honor Molière. They launched a fundraising campaign and a design competition, which architect Louis Visconti won. This marked a turning point. It was the first publicly funded monument in France dedicated to a non-military figure, a testament to the power of words and wit. Visconti, also known for the fountain at Place Saint-Sulpice, crafted a fitting tribute. At the heart of the Fontaine Molière is a bronze statue of Molière himself, seated in period attire. The sculptor Bernard-Gabriel Seurre captured the playwright’s essence. Look closely at the base of the statue. You’ll see two allegorical figures representing Molière’s mastery of comedy and tragedy. These marble sculptures, crafted by Jean-Jacques Pradier, each hold a scroll listing Molière’s renowned works. The Fontaine Molière isn’t merely decorative. It’s a symbol of French literary heritage, a stage where stone and water perform a silent play in honor of a dramatic legend. The next time you pass this fountain, remember the story it tells. It’s a story of a playwright, a city’s love for art, and a fountain that speaks volumes.