The Fontaine du Palmier (also called the Fontaine de Châtelet or de la Victoire) was created in 1806-1808 by François-Jean Bralle after the order of Napoleon I who thus wanted to commemorate his victories. At the same time the fountain was also aimed to deliver free drinking water for Parisians. Apart from serving this noble purpose the fountain was also aimed to deliver free drinking water for Parisians.
The fountain’s column is ornate with palm-tree leaves and surmounted by a gilded figure of Victory with laurels in upraised hands, sculpted by Louis-Simon Boizot. A copy of this statue can be examined at a closer look in the courtyard of Musée Carnavalet.
Four allegorical figures encircle the column; they represent Prudence, Temperance, Justice and Strength.
The column is embraced with names of five battles – Siege of Danzig, the Battle of Ulm, the Battle of Marengo, the Battle of the Pyramids, and the Battle of Lodi.
Four sphinxes surrounding the fountain have appeared in 1858, when the Place du Châtelet was re-built to its present shape. They were designed by Gabriel Davioud and sculpted by Jacquemart, to commemorate Napoléon’s victory in Egypt.
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| The Fontaine du Palmier at the place du Châtelet |
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