Mende Fountain, Leipzig

The Mende Fountain (Mendebrunnen) in Leipzig stands as the city's largest and one of its most significant decorative fountains, both historically and artistically. Located prominently at Augustusplatz in front of the Gewandhaus, it was constructed between 1883 and 1886 by Adolf Gnauth, with the ensemble of sculptures crafted by Munich sculptor Jacob Ungerer. This monumental fountain was made possible by a generous bequest from Pauline Mende, a merchant's widow, whose legacy is honored through the fountain bearing her name.

The Mende Fountain is a grand allegory of the importance of water for human life, depicted through figures drawn from Greek mythology. At its core are two Tritons, sons of Poseidon, with human torsos and double-tailed fish bodies, each interacting dynamically with powerful hippocampi-mythical creatures that are half horse, half fish-symbolizing humanity's control over the formidable forces of the sea. The Nereids positioned on the consoles of the nearly 18-meter-tall obelisk further symbolize the benefits derived from mankind's relationship with the sea.

The design of the Mende Fountain draws heavily from the Italian Baroque, particularly echoing the works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, such as the Fontana del Moro and the Four Rivers Fountain in Rome's Navona Square. Additionally, the fountain's figures and overall motif bear a striking resemblance to the famed Trevi Fountain by Nicola Salvi in Rome, indicating the artistic inspirations that shaped this majestic Leipzig landmark.