The Moving Medici Fountain of Paris's Jardin du Luxembourg

The **Medici Fountain** is a monumental fountain in the Jardin du Luxembourg in the 6th arrondissement in Paris. Built around 1630, it was commissioned by Marie de' Medici, the widow of King Henri IV and regent of King Louis XIII. The original architectural design is attributed to Tommaso Francini, an Italian engineer and General Superintendent of Waters and Fountains under Louis XIII. The fountain faced major challenges during the 17th century due to the chronic water scarcity on Paris's Left Bank.

Despite this, the Medici Fountain was eventually completed and remains in operation to this day. Its grotto facade, reminiscent of Italian Renaissance grottos, is adorned with reliefs that mimic water seeping from rocky walls. The sculptural composition of the fountain centers on a dramatic central group created by sculptor Auguste Ottin in 1866, titled 'Polyphemus Surprising Acis and Galatea. The Medici Fountain was moved to its present location and extensively rebuilt in 1864-1866.

It shares the space with the Fontaine de Léda, which was constructed in 1806-1809 and was relocated to the Jardin du Luxembourg in 1858.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons