Frank T. Heffelfinger Fountain, (sculpture).

Frank T. Heffelfinger Fountain, (sculpture).

Unknown (Italian), sculptor.

Frank T. Heffelfinger Fountain, (sculpture).

17th c. Dedicated Sept. 3, 1947.

Sculpture: patinated bronze; Basin: marble.

Sculpture: approx. H. 15 ft. x W. 6 ft.; Pool: approx. H. 18 in. x Diam. 25 ft.; Putti and gargoyles: approx. H. 3 ft.; Mythical creature: approx. W. 2 ft.

(On plaque on side of basin:) PRESENTED BY/FRANK TOTTON HEFFELFINGER/TO THE BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS/1944

Fountain, basically circular in shape, stands in a large round retaining pool. Several putti sit along the edges of a round basin, and a central figure rides a dolphin-like creature in the center. Below the basin on the pedestal are winged satyrs or gargoyles. Water spouts out of their mouths into individual smaller basins. They represent the three ages of man. At the bottom of the pedestal are three fantasy reptilian creatures whose mouths spout water into the pool.

Religion -- Angel

Mythology -- Classical -- Satyr

Fantasy -- Monster

Fantasy -- Animal -- Reptile

Allegory -- Life

Outdoor Sculpture -- Minnesota -- Minneapolis

Administered by City of Minneapolis, Department of Parks & Recreation, 310 4th Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Located Lyndale Park, Rose Garden at Lake Harriet, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Formerly located Villa Montalto, Florence, Italy ca. 1600s-1944.

Gift of Frank Totton Heffelfinger to the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners in 1944. The fountain dates to the 17th century and was previously located at the Villa Montalto in Italy. Attached SOS! sources differ as to whether the Villa was in Florence or Fiesole. Heffelfinger purchased the fountain in the 1920s and also donated $8,000 towards its installation. IAS files include Board publication entitled "A Brief History of Lyndale Park and the Rose Gardens" and a survey form from the Minneapolis Arts Commission. Addition information can be found in the Minneapolis Public Library Special Collections File under Fountains: Heffelfinger.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Minnesota, Minneapolis - St. Paul survey, 1993.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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