A Closer Look: Episode 29 - Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers in Rome
If you’ve visited central Rome, you’re no doubt familiar with Bernini’s monumental Fountain of the Four Rivers. It’s a great work of baroque sculpture that sits proudly in the centre of the beautiful Piazza Navona.
You may also have registered that the fountain is surmounted by an Egyptian obelisk. It has a fascinating history that stretches from the Aswan quarries of ancient Egypt right through to Rome in Late Antiquity and down to Bernini’s own time.
In this episode, archaeologist and Latin scholar Dr Mary Jane Cuyler reveals the mysterious coincidences and fate that surround the ancient obelisk, and its virtuoso inclusion by Bernini in his iconic work.
There are many views of Bernini's fountain and the obelisk here.
Dr Mary Jane Cuyler
Dr Mary Jane Cuyler is an archaeologist and Latin scholar with extensive experience working on excavations in Greece and Italy.
Dr Kathleen Olive
Kathleen is a specialist in Italian language and literature and has led tours to Italy, France, Spain, the USA, Japan and Australasia for more than fifteen years. Kathleen is a director of Limelight Arts Travel.