Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The fountain of Lorgues, classified as a Historical Monument, was built in 1771 under the direction of architect Jean-Antoine Torcat. Sponsored by the council of the local community, it embodies the importance of hydraulics in the provençal villages of the Enlightenment. Its sober and functional style reflects the practical needs of the time, while integrating an aesthetic dimension with its carved elements.

The four Calissane stone dolphins, made in 1772 by sculptor Joseph Chieusse, constitute the major decorative element of the work. This white limestone stone, typical of the Aix-en-Provence region, was chosen for its strength and ease of sculpture. The inclusion of the fountain in the inventory of Historic Monuments in 1926 reflects its recognized heritage value from the early twentieth century.

Originally located Place des Ormes (now close to Place du Revelin), the fountain illustrates the central role of these works in the daily life of rural communities. It served both as a point of water supply and a place of sociability, while marking the public space with a remarkable architectural achievement for a municipality of this size.

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