Chapter 16
A Magical Fountain
Meanwhile, at the intersection of Via De' Crocicchi, Via Poli and Via Delle Muratte
Although he had seen drawings and paintings of the largest Baroque fountain in all of Rome, David Slater, Viscount Penton, wasn’t prepared for seeing the Trevi Fountain in all its glory.
The eighty-year-old travertine structure was huge—over one-hundred and sixty feet wide and nearly ninety feet tall—and it marked the end of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct in spectacular fashion.
“Is that Neptune?” Randy asked, pointing to the central figure standing atop a chariot made of a shell and pulled by two hippocamps and two tritons.
“The Titan Oceanus,” Diana replied. “At the very top of the facade is the papal coat of arms.”
“Is that a real building behind it?” Helen asked, her feet at the very edge of the pool of water in front of the fountain.
“Indeed. The Palazzo Poli. It’s a private residence,” Donald replied. “The columns you see framing Oceanus are free-standing. They are not connected to the triumphal arch, which was also added to the palazzo’s facade.”
“A rather robust triumphal arch,” Will commented in awe. He crossed his arms as he studied the various statues making up the fountain.
“It is quite impressive,” Barbara breathed. “I don’t suppose one of those could be added to the front of Ellsworth Park?”
Alarmed, Will turned to discover her aiming a teasing grin in his direction. “We’d have to update the entire facade,” he murmured. “Although it would enhance the Georgian architecture,” he mused.
“Who are the statues on either side of Oceanus supposed to be?” Helen asked, directing her query to Diana.
“In the niche on the left is Abundance, and Salubrity is on the right,” she replied.
“The entire set of statues and bas reliefs are meant to depict the Roman legend of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct,” David chimed in.
“Over there is Agrippa approving the project...” He pointed to one of the reliefs before redirecting his arm.
“And that woman there is a virgin guiding thirsty soldiers to the water,” he added.
“And the basin in front represents the sea,” Donald finished for him.
“It feels lovely standing here,” Helen remarked. “Oh, this is the best wedding trip I could ever hope to have,” she added, directing her comment to Tom.
“I am in agreement, my sweeting,” he said, bussing her on the cheek.
“Where are we off to next?” David asked, earning him a quelling glance from Vittoria.
“Another fountain on the same aqueduct,” Donald replied.
Furrowing his brows, David offered his arm to Vittoria and tried to sort where they might be going. “Do you know?” he asked her.
She lifted her chin. “Of course. But I’m not telling you.”
David rolled his eyes. For the space of a half-hour, he had thought he might have improved in her estimation.
Apparently not.