Fountain "Sheaf"

Fountains-jokes "Benches," Alexandriyskoe Highway, Saint Petersburg, Russia, 1985–10

The powerful and lush fountain "Sheaf," placed in a deep basin 12 meters in diameter, is the main water jet of the Montplezir Garden ensemble. The fountain's cordon was carved from Pudost stone and decorated with tuff, while the bottom of the basin is lined with black and white marble slabs.

Imperial Parks of Peterhof

The powerful and lush fountain "Sheaf," placed in a deep basin 12 meters in diameter, is the main water jet of the Montplaisir Garden ensemble. The fountain's cordon was carved from Pudost stone and decorated with tuff, while the bottom of the basin is lined with black and white marble slabs. From the tuff pedestal located in the center of the basin, the central jet soars to a height of four and a half meters, surrounded by twenty-four inclined jets arranged in two tiers. They resemble a large sheaf of heavy ears of grain, showering transparent grains.

Since ancient times in Russia, the sheaf was considered a symbol of fertility and wealth, and in the allegorical language of the 18th century, this fountain became an embodiment of the power and prosperity of the Russian Empire.

Documents indicate that the Italian architect Miketti constructed the central fountain of the Montplaisir Garden based on a drawing by Peter I himself, which has not survived to this day. The hydraulic device of the water jet was handled by the French master Paul Swalem. The fountain's first test was successfully conducted in April 1723.

In terms of scale and artistic design, the multi-jet and powerful water jet "Sheaf" fully corresponds to the size and appearance of "Montplaisir" — Peter I's favorite summer palace.

Sources:

https://spb-parki.ru/parks/peterhof/ansambl-vostochnoy-chasti/fontan-snop/

https://peterhofmuseum.ru/objects/peterhof/fontan_snop

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/Сноп_(фонтан)

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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The Grand Cascade is the most magnificent fountain structure of the Peterhof ensemble.

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

The Upper and Lower Grottos, serving as the architectural center of the Grand Cascade of Peterhof, were built according to the design of Peter I. They are faced with tuff, decorated with fountains, marble, and gilded sculptures. The facade of the Grand Grotto is pierced by five tall arches adorned with gilded mascarons. Above this grotto is a terrace leading to the Small Grotto. The boundary between the grottos is marked by a marble balustrade with figures of two gilded bronze Tritons. Architects Jean-Baptiste Le Blond, Ivan Braunstein, and Nicola Michetti participated in the creation of the grottos, with construction taking place from 1716 to 1720. Entrance is through the arched doors of the Upper Grotto. According to Peter the Great’s plan, the walls of the underground structure are faced with tuff and shells, decorated with mascarons and ornaments.

Paired Fountains "Bowls" (Italian)

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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Paired Fountains "Bowls" (French)

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Imperial Parks of Peterhof

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