3-008-594 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Fountain in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, designed by Hubert, 1862. Engraving from a photograph by L. Birnstingl and Co. 'Designed by Lienard, modelled by Moreau, cast by Barbezat, fitted and erected by Hubert...The Renaissance design of this fountain, florid and exuberant though it may appear to eyes familiar with the waterspouts at Trafalgar-square, is comparatively simple for a French work. The two basins are supported by allegorical figures, serving as Atlantides and Caryatides; and allegory can hardly be dispensed with in designs for fountains. The four upper figures of children stand for the four quarters of the world, as we learn from their symbols and the words Europe, Asie, Afrique, and Amerique inscribed on the medallions of the pedestal beneath. The lower figures, two of which are male and two female, are simply and entirely conventional, not having any of the usual fluvial or aquatic symbols. They are attended by amorini or genii wreathing flowers. Masks, escutcheons, floral ornaments, and architectural mouldings are distributed about the various details of the design without injuring the general effect, which is extremely pleasing from the principal proportions conveying the impression of symmetry'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.