Neptune Fountain at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria - Encircle Photos

12 Neptune Fountain at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria

The masterpiece of sculptor Johann Wilhelm Beyer at Schönbrunn Garden is Neptune Fountain. Beyer finished the Neptunbrunnen in 1780, a few months before the death of Maria Theresa. The design by Hetzendorf von Hohenberg includes an engaging display of statuary. Encircling the two-tier bowl are Tritons. These half-men, half-fish each hold a conch shell while harnessing seahorses (hippocampi). Holding a trident on top is Neptune, the Roman god of the sea. Kneeling is Thetis, the mother of Trojan War hero Achilles. Neptune is also being attended by a nymph on the right. This fountain is symbolic of the power and reign of the Austrian Habsburgs.

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Neptune Fountain at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria

Schönbrunner Schloßstraße 47, 1130 Wien, Austria

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