Tomei Albiani Fountain
Attributedattributed to
Battista Lorenzi
(Italian, 1527 - 1594)
Additional Title(s)
- Fountain
ClassificationsSCULPTURE
Date1570
Mediummarble
Dimensionsapproximately: 72 x 72 in. (182.9 x 182.9 cm.)
DescriptionThe fountain base, which was produced in Tuscany in the late Renaissance, includes two inscriptions in Latin disclosing that the fountain was made for Tommaso Albiani in 1570 and was restored by a family descendant named Francesco Tomei Albiani in 1791. On the other sides of the fountain base are three coats of arms referring to the family of Tommaso Albiani, his wife, and Cosimo I de’ Medicis, Duke of Florence (1537-69) and first Grand Duke of Tuscany (1569-1574). The bottom and top basins are modern additions. The bronze statue portraying a Bacchante by Frederick William MacMonnies was added on top in 1920.
InscribedIn a cartouche on the south side, the inscription: INSIGNI ALBIANO D. (Eminent Sir Albiani);
In a cartouche on the north side, the inscription: TOMASI A UXOR (Tommaso's wife);
In a cartouche on the east side, the inscription: C M: MAG HET[R]V DX [COSMUS MEDICES MAGNUS HETRURIAE DUX] (Cosimo de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany);
In a cartouche on the west side, the inscription: HONESTAE VOLUPTATI THOMAS ALBIANUS FONTEM ET VIRIDARU[M] PURGATO SOLO EXTRUIT A.D. MDLXX (made in 1570 for the honest pleasure of Tommaso Albiani in his rugged garden); UTRUMQUE DEIN[DE] LABEFACTUM FRAN. THOMEI ALBIANI RESTITUIT [sic] A.D. MDCCXCI (in 1791, Francesco Tomei Albiani had the fountain and garden restored)
Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
Status
On viewObject number12.8
see also/see also