Fontaine Roesselmann (Roesselmann Fountain), Colmar

Roesselmann Fountain is an ornate, white stone fountain topped with a statue of the public judge Jean Roesselmann. The sculpture was created in 1888 by artist Auguste Bartholdi famous for the Statue of Liberty.

Roesselmann is considered the first hero of Colmar. He passed away while defending Colmar and the municipal liberties against the troops and the covetousness of the Bishop of Strasbourg.

Auguste Bartholdi used Hercule de Peyerimhoff, then mayor of Colmar, to provide the character traits for the Roesselmann statue. Like Roesselmann, Hoff participated in the defense of Colmar and refused to submit to German rule.

The statue of Roesselmann stands on a base of four columns topped with a pedestal. Water spews from the open mouths of fish and other creatures that adorn the uppermost portion of the pedestal. The fountain is illuminated at night and is viewable 24 hours.