First fountain 1833 (≈ 1833)
Original fountain replaced in 1872
1872
Current construction
Current construction 1872 (≈ 1872)
Fountain carved by Charles Gilbert
1929
End of water supply
End of water supply 1929 (≈ 1929)
Stopping its use
1932
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 1932 (≈ 1932)
Registered by ministerial decree
XXe siècle
Changing the carved head
Changing the carved head XXe siècle (≈ 2007)
Human head replacement by fabulous animal
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Fontaine : inscription by order of 11 May 1932
Key figures
Charles Gilbert - Sculptor
Author of the fountain in 1872
Origin and history
The Fountain de la Coquille, located in Villers-Cotterêts in the department of Aisne, is a sculptural work depicting the head, front legs and wings of a fabulous animal, framed with dolphins and surmounted by a shell lined with foliage. It is located at the intersection of Demoustier and Tronchet streets, in the heart of the city.
This fountain was created in 1872 by the sculptor Charles Gilbert, replacing an earlier work dating back to 1833. It played a utilitarian role in supplying water to the city until 1929. Originally, it was decorated with a human head, replaced later in the 20th century by the head of a fabulous animal.
Ranked under the title of historical monuments by order of 11 May 1932, the fountain is today an emblematic heritage of Villers-Cotterêts. Its artistic style and history reflect the technical and aesthetic evolution of public fountains between the 19th and 20th centuries.
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