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Origin and history

The Saint-Fursy fountain, located in Lagny-sur-Marne in Seine-et-Marne, has its origin in a legend of the seventh century. In 643, St. Fursy of Peronne, arriving in the city, was said to have struck the ground with her staff, causing a spring to spring called "miraculous". This place became a focal point for pilgrims and visitors, especially at the Champagne fairs, such as the Innocent Fair held each year from January 2 to 15.

The construction of the fountain is attested by texts from 1274, under the name of fountain Saint-Foursi. Originally, it consisted of a tank decorated with human masks, a head-down character, and a harpy, placed on a column. The south and west sides had a lily flower and a united shield, respectively. These decorative elements, dating back to the 12th century, were not used for water flow, a function added later.

In 1523, three bronze patterns were installed on the northern part to reject water, replacing existing decorations. These additions, along with successive repairs in 1603, 1787, and 1807, marked the architectural evolutions of the fountain. Originally conceived as a drinking pot with a stone to wash for the menu people, she underwent transformations related to her use and her state of oldness.

The restoration of 1902 was particularly controversial. A commission decided in 1899 to destroy the fountain to replace it with a simple bronze basin, provoking protests, including those of Émile-Gustave Cavallo-Péduzzi and Jacques-Amédée Le Pair, supported by 155 signatories. Despite these oppositions, the project was maintained, although some historical parts, such as the 13th century barrel and a 1603 bronze jet, were preserved.

Today, the fountain comes in the form of a 13th century square barrel, topped by a cubic Romanesque capital decorated with grotesque sculptures. Three 16th century bronze mouths, representing human and animal faces, pour water into the basin. Although the representation of the Saint Clou, present since the 11th century, was not restored in 1902, the fountain retains a major historical interest, reflecting medieval beliefs and practices.

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