Table fountain
Type:
Fountains
Date:
ca. 1320–40
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
France
Medium:
Gilt-silver,
Enamel
Dimensions:
33.8 × 25.4 × 26 cm
Description:
This miniature fountain with micro-architecture was designed so that rose-scented water would run through it and dazzle elite guests at dinner parties. Bells and wheels augmented the spectacle of the water cascading down its terraced structure. In addition to the micro-architecture and tiny gargoyle heads, the fountain includes translucent enamel panels with animals, hybrid creatures, and humans, some of whome play instruments.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
9
Repository and Online Resources:
• For more information, including a video of how the Table Fountain would have looked in motion, visit the website of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
