The Trevi Fountain: What Do the Statues Represent?

Trevi fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world. This great baroque masterpiece is located at the junction of three roads in the heart of Rome. Its position at the intersection of three roads explains the name of the fountain “Trevi", which means three roads ( tre vie). The Trevi fountain is much more than just a beautiful fountain. Every single statue incorporated into the fountain symbolizes something. Here is a brief explanation of the fountain’s iconography.

1. Oceanus

At the center of the fountain, stands the statue of Oceanus. In Greek Mythology, Oceanus is a Titan God of the great River Oceanus - the main source of all the fresh water on the Earth. Oceanus is riding a chariot that looks like a shell.

2. The Tritons and the Sea-horses

The chariot is pulled by two mythological creatures – sea-horses (Hippocampus). The left, calm sea-horse, is guided by the older Triton (a son of Poseidon). He is blowing into the twisted shell horn.

The younger Triton is leading the wild sea-horse. These two sea-horses represent the ever-changing moods of the sea.

3. The Abundance

To the right of Oceanus, stands the statue of Abundance with a horn of plenty. At her feet, you can see an overturned vase. Above the goddess of Abundance, there is a relief that shows Agrippa ordering his generals to build the aqueduct.

4. The Health

You can see the beautiful statue of the goddess of Health to the left of Oceanus. She wears a laurel wreath which represents health. Also, she holds a cup of water and lets a snake drink from it. Above the Health statue, there is a relief that illustrates a young girl showing to soldiers the source of freshwater.

5. The Abundance of Fruits, the Fertility of Crops, the Autumn Harvest, and the Joy of Gardens

Above the reliefs, you can see four smaller statues. The first statue, on the right side of Oceanus, is The Abundance of Fruits (the statue holds a horn of plenty), the second one is The Fertility of Crops (the statue is holding ears of wheat), the third statue represents The Autumn Harvest (this statue holds grapes), the last one is covered in flowers representing The Joy of Gardens.

5. The coat of arms of Pope Clement XII

In 1730, Pope Clement XII launched a competition for architects to design the most dramatic fountain in Rome. Therefore, at the top of the fountain, you can see the impressive coat of arms of Pope Clement XII.

Here is a small cheat sheet for you :)