Fontana Angelica
The Fontana Angelica is the fountain of Piazza Solferino, in Turin, created by the sculptor Giovanni Riva; its four groups of statues represent the seasons, and it is considered a significant example of Art Déco decorative sculpture.[1]
The Bajnotti Bequest
It originated from a bequest of 150,000 lire left by minister Pietro Bajnotti in memory of his parents, Tommaso Bajnotti and Angelica Cugiani, from whom it takes its name; the will called for a Gothic fountain in Piazza San Giovanni, but a committee that included Leonardo Bistolfi and Edoardo Rubino chose a free style and Piazza Solferino instead, and the cost rose to 700,000 lire.[2] Sources date it to 1930 or 1929, with the inauguration on 28 October 1929.[1][2] The square, given its definitive layout around 1870, is named after the battle of 24 June 1859.[3]
Symbolism
Some interpretations read the figures of autumn and winter as the columns Boaz and Jachin, attributing to the fountain a symbolism of Masonic inspiration.[4]
The Restoration
Switched off since 2023, the fountain came back into operation at the beginning of August 2026 after restoration, as announced by mayor Stefano Lo Russo.[5][6]
Related articles: Piazza Solferino
Pages linking here
Sources
- MuseoTorino
- Torino Oggi — 25 August 2023
- MuseoTorino
- Torino Cronaca — 4 August 2026
- Quotidiano Piemontese — 4 August 2026
- Torino Oggi — 4 August 2026