Curious about the whispers of foresight? We are standing before the Donnerbrunnen. Though officially named Providentiabrunnen, it’s more fondly known by the sculptor’s name Georg Raphael Donner.
This Baroque fountain sits in the heart of Neuer Markt Square. It has witnessed centuries of Viennese life. Many tourists unknowingly pass by the Georg Raphael Donner Statue. They are on their way to the Imperial Crypt.
Let’s journey back to 1737. The city of Vienna commissioned the fountain. In 1739, it was unveiled. It was presented during Emperor Karl VI’s name day.
Now, here’s a twist. Empress Maria Theresia later deemed the Georg Raphael Donner Statue too risqué for public eyes. She ordered it to be melted down. Artist Johann Martin Fischer recognized its exceptional quality. Instead of destroying it, he renovated it. The Georg Raphael Donner Statue returned to its place in 1801.
The central figure is Providentia. She embodies destiny and foresight. Legend says she foresaw Vienna’s abundant water supply.
Around Providentia are four figures. These represent the rivers of Austria’s heartlands. The male figures embody the rivers of Upper Austria. The female figures embody those of Lower Austria.
Traun is a young boy. He is catching a fish. Enns is an old ferryman. He rests against a rock. Ybbs is a resting girl with a jug. March is a woman. She rests against a battle relief.
By 1873, the original figures were deteriorating. Bronze replicas replaced them. You can find the originals at the Marble Hall of the Lower Belvedere Palace.
Even during the Second World War, the Georg Raphael Donner Statue was carefully dismantled. It was stored for safety. It reopened in 1947.
Before its movie debut in “Before Sunrise”, the Donnerbrunnen was a popular hangout. Vienna’s youth gathered here in the 1980s.
The Donnerbrunnen stands as an early example of secular public art. The unveiling took place on the Emperor’s name day. This seemed like a sensible way to placate any potential imperial ire.
So, the next time you pass by the Donnerbrunnen, remember its story. It’s a tale of art, foresight, controversy, and resilience. It is a beautiful and symbolic landmark.