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Fountain of Amboise de Clermont-Ferrand dans le Puy-de-Dôme

Patrimoine classé
Patrimoine urbain
Fontaine
Puy-de-Dôme

Fountain of Amboise de Clermont-Ferrand

    Fontaine d'Amboise
    63000 Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Fontaine dAmboise de Clermont-Ferrand
Crédit photo : Tony Castle - Sous licence Creative Commons

Timeline

Bas Moyen Âge
Renaissance
Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
2000
1511
Construction begins
1808
First move and modification
12 juillet 1886
Historical Monument
1962
Last move
2019
Complete restoration
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

Fountain of Amboise: by order of 12 July 1886

Key figures

Jacques d’Amboise - Bishop of Clermont (1505-1516) Sponsor of the fountain in 1511.
Georges d'Amboise - Cardinal and brother of James Italian Renaissance inspiration for the project.
Chapart - Sculptor of the 16th century Author of the fountain of Amboise.

Origin and history

The Fountain of Amboise, located in Clermont-Ferrand, is a 16th-century work commissioned by Jacques d'Amboise, bishop of Clermont from 1505 to 1516. Brother of Cardinal Georges d'Amboise, known for his appeal for Italian Renaissance art, he entrusted his creation in 1511 to the sculptor Chapart. Originally, it was placed behind Clermont (current Victoire Square), in front of the south gate of the cathedral, in the garden of the now disappeared Episcopal Palace. Its main role was to feed the inhabitants with water.

The fountain, built of Volvic stone, features a hybrid architecture combining Gothic elements (such as bow-buttons) and Renaissance decorations inspired by Italy, such as rinceaux, masks and grotesques. It consists of three superimposed basins, whose octagonal median basin, richly decorated, contrasts with the sobriety of the lower basin. Water flows out of carved figures (faces, fish mouths) and basins, creating an elegant water set.

Over the centuries, the fountain has been moved four times to adapt to urban evolution. In 1808, it was transferred to Place Delille (then Place Champeix) and modified by the addition of a lower basin and a statue of wild man, bearded and armed with a club, carrying the shield of the Amboise. In 1854, it was installed at the crossroads of Sablon and Carnot Avenue, and in 1962, at its present location, Olympe-de-Gouges Square. A complete restoration, completed in 2019, preserved this emblematic heritage.

Ranked Historic Monument by decree of 12 July 1886, the fountain of Amboise illustrates the artistic influence of the Italian Renaissance in Auvergne. Its luxuriant decor, candelabras and water spit masks make it a remarkable example of the art of transition between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Today, it remains a symbol of the Clermont heritage, testifying to urban history and the water needs of the population throughout the ages.

Future

In restoration since October 2018

External links

Conditions of visit

  • Conditions de visite : Visible à distance
  • Equipment and Details

    • Accès handicapé
    • Animations
    • Animaux admis
    • Animaux non admis
    • Guide
    • Guide conférencier
    • Parking à proximité
    • Zone WiFi

    Architectural Style

  • Gothique
  • Renaissance
  • Construction period

  • 16ème siècle