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Origin and history

The fountain of the Romanesque Poetry, also known as the Clémence Isaure fountain, is an Art Nouveau creation located Place de la Concorde in Toulouse. Made by the sculptor Léo Laporte-Blairsy, it combines floral elements (glantines, violets) and animals (tortues, bronze frogs) with a marble column surmounted by a draped statue. This allegory of Romanesque poetry, often confused with Clémence Isaure, embodies a discreet sensuality and a link between earth and men.

Funded in 1905 by the pharmacist Octave Sage, the fountain results from a contest won in 1910 by Laporte-Blairsy, the architect Guitard and the entrepreneur Portet. The first model, where the statue was headless, was rejected by the Touloussains. The exaggerated hennine then added, perhaps in response to criticism, divided opinion. Despite the controversies about his performance, the fountain was inaugurated on 3 May 1913, marking the anniversary of the first Floral Games.

From its inauguration, the modern statue shocked the inhabitants, accustomed to a more traditional image of Clémence Isaure, represented at the Academy of Floral Games. The bishop of Toulouse, initially opposed, finally tolerated his presence because of the holiness attributed to the character. During World War II, the bronze statue was dismantled in 1942 to avoid requisitioning and then found intact after the conflict.

Every December 31st, the Touloussains lay flowers on the water of the fountain for the New Year, perpetuating a local tradition. Frogs climbing the column symbolize renewal. In 2013, the centenary of the fountain was celebrated, and restoration projects aim to restore its original colours. The fountain, listed as a Historic Monument in 2019, remains an emblem of the Toulouse heritage.

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