Fountain of Neptune, Florence
It incorporates a series of mythological figures and iconographies that symbolize both Cosimo I de' Medici's power and the union of Francesco and Joanna.
The sculptors who assisted in carving the giant marble Neptune were Andrea Calamech, Battista Fiammeri, and Cesare di Nicodemo.
The fountain was being built to celebrate the marriage of Francesco and Joanna, and the association of chariots with festivals and pageants could be the reason for Bandinelli's unusual incorporation of a horse-chariot.
[5] Because the fountain's scale was so large, it forced Ammannati to make some innovative choices when constructing his giant Neptune.
Due to the brittle quality of mischio the columns of stone broke in transit, creating delays in the fountain's completion.
[3] Some of Cosimo's most significant contributions to Florence include: The Sala Grande in the Palazzo Della Signoria, the Uffizi, the Fountain of Neptune, the Boboli Gardens, completing the Pitti Palace, and renovating churches such as Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce.
His renovation of the churches were driven by a desire to gain favor with Rome and earn a grand ducal crown, which he received in 1569.
Shortly after the unveiling, locals began to use the fountain as a washbasin for inkpots and laundry, causing a damage and discoloration to the marble.
Over the course of the 1980s there were several occasions in which the horses were damaged and another incident where Neptune's shoulder was painted after Italy won the World Cup in 1982.
[9] Finally, on August 3, 2005, a vandal attempted to climb Neptune which resulted in the loss of a hand, a broken trident and damage to the chariot.
[10] [9] As a result of the damage the fountain endured over the years, the city implemented stricter security measures in 2007 and 2009 by installing CCTV and increasing police patrols to help prevent vandalism.
Salvatore Ferragamo played a large role in the 2019 restoration of the Fountain of Neptune by donating 1.5 million euros to the project.
Other repairs included removing stains from the marble, patching cracks and restoring rusted bronze figures.
In Virgo's right hand we see a loaf of bread where an ear of corn usually lies, furthering the idea that this fountain is being proclaimed as a baptistry.
