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Leipzig
Stadt Leipzig
Sachsen

Augustusplatz

Mendebrunnen

Mende Fountain

Jacob Ungerer & Adolf Gnauth
1886

Description

Large, neo-baroque fountain with a c. 18 m high granite obelisk. In the basin, two Triton figures powerfully hold rearing winged hippocamps; the base of the obelisk is adorned with four Nereids, above them stand winged putti with fish or shell.
The fountain was inaugurated in 1886. The design was by Adolf Gnauth, the figures were created by Jacob Ungerer.
This largest and most beautiful fountain of Leipzig is named after Marianne Pauline Mende née Thieriot (Leipzig 1807 - Leipzig 1881), widow of the merchant Ferdinand Wilhelm Mende. In her will of 9 April 1869, she donated an amount of 50,000 talers (150,000 marks) for the construction of the fountain, which was inaugurated on 1 September 1886.

Leipzig - Mendebrunnen
Tritons with hippocamps

Nereids

Putti with fish standing on a frog Putti with fish standing on a lobster

Inscription(s)

errichtet AUS DEM VERMÄCHTNISSE der frau MARIANNE PAULINE MENDE geb. thieriot 1886	zum himmel streben in frischen kraft, der erde geben, was segen schafft, in lautrer helle lehrt es die welle.
Erected FROM THE LEGACY of Mrs. MARIANNE PAULINE MENDE née Thieriot 1886	Striving for heaven in fresh strength, giving to the earth, what blessing creates, in loud brightness teaches the wave.

Sculptors

Adolf Gnauth (Stuttgart 1840 - 1884), German architect (Deutsche Biographie).
Jacob Ungerer (München 1840 - München 1920), German sculptor (Wikipedia).

Sources & Information

Leipzig-Lexikon, Brunnen.
Das schöne Detail..., Brunnen und Wasserspiele in Leipzig: Der Mendebrunnen auf dem Augustusplatz.
Wikipedia, Brunnen in Leipzig.

Locatie (N 51°20'18" - E 12°22'50") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

Item Code: desn076; Photograph: 4 September 2022
Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
© Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt

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Nereids

Putti with fish standing on a frog		Putti with fish standing on a lobster