Logo Musée du Patrimoine

All French heritage classified by regions, departments and cities

Fontaine Cuvier in Paris à Paris 1er dans Paris 5ème

Patrimoine classé
Fontaine
Paris

Fontaine Cuvier in Paris

    2 Rue Linné
    75005 Paris 5e Arrondissement
Ownership of the municipality
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Fontaine Cuvier à Paris
Crédit photo : User Kmlz on fr.wikipedia - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1800
1900
2000
1840
Construction of the fountain
3 avril 1984
Historical Monument
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

Fontaine Cuvier (Box 05: 01 AG 57): entry by order of 3 April 1984

Key figures

Alphonse Vigoureux - Water Architect and Inspector Manufacturer of the fountain in 1840.
Jean-Jacques Feuchère - Sculptor Author of the allegory of natural history.
Pierre-Jules Pomateau - Ornamentalist sculptor Realisa frieze, tympanum and intercollation.
Georges Cuvier - Naturalist celebrated Tribute by motto and symbols.

Origin and history

The Cuvier Fountain is a Parisian monument located at the corner of rue Linné and rue Cuvier, facing the Jardin des Plantes, in the 5th arrondissement. Directed in 1840 by the architect Alphonse Vigoureux, inspector of the waters of the city of Paris, it replaces the former Saint-Victor fountain. This project pays tribute to Georges Cuvier, famous naturalist, and is part of a desire to modernize Paris' public water points in the 19th century.

The central statue, the work of sculptor Jean-Jacques Feuchère, represents an allegory of natural history as a young woman holding tablets engraved with Cuvier's motto: "Rerum cognoscere causas". It is surrounded by symbolic animals, including an anatomically impossible crocodile, the artist's deliberate stylistic effect. The ornamental elements, such as the frieze and tympanum, are signed by Pierre-Jules Pomateau, a sculptor specializing in architectural decorations.

Ranked among historical monuments since April 3, 1984, the fountain illustrates the alliance between public utility and scientific celebration. Its location, close to the National Museum of Natural History, strengthens its link with the Parisian intellectual heritage. Materials and neoclassical style reflect the artistic cannons of the time, while integrating technical innovations for water supply.

Historical sources, such as Marie-Hélène Levadé's works or the archives of the Delegation to the artistic action of Paris, underline her role in the beautification of the city under the monarchy of July. The Cuvier fountain remains today a testimony of the 19th century Parisian urbanism, mixing functionality, art and tribute to science.

External links