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Neptune Fountain

History

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found postedwithin the park.

This fountain on the East Lawn of Sailors’ Snug Harbor Cultural Center depicts a heroic-sized Neptune figure atop a serpent with his spear poised to strike. In 1892 New York City’s John W. Fiske Iron Works cast the original piece in zinc and painted it bronze to keep costs low. Over the years the figure deteriorated and Neptune lost his hands, an arm, and a foot.

This replica is based on original plans using historic photographs and wax casts from the original zinc monument. After being recast by the Modern Art Foundry in Queens, Neptune returned via the Staten Island Ferry to a reconstructed spot at the site. The 1994 reconstruction included rebuilding the original cast-iron fountain basin, updating the electrical system and plumbing, and fabricating by hand the ornamental lily flowers. The surrounding area was re-landscaped and benches were added to the site while the original Neptune was stabilized and placed indoors on view in the Visitor’s Center.

 

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  • Male figure (heroic scale) atop basin; original zinc figure is Visitor's Center
  • Male figure (heroic scale) atop basin; original zinc figure is Visitor's Center

Neptune Fountain Details

  • Location: East Lawn
  • Architect: Quennell Rothschild Associates
  • Description: Male figure (heroic scale) atop basin; original zinc figure is Visitor's Center
  • Materials: Figure--bronze; basin--cast iron
  • Dimensions: Total H: 10'6"; basin Diameter: 60'
  • Cast: ca. 1994
  • Dedicated: 1893 (original); 1994
  • Foundry: Modern Art Foundry
  • Fabricator: Modern Art Foundry

Please note, the NAME field includes a primary designation as well as alternate namingsoften in common or popular usage. The DEDICATED field refers to the most recent dedication, most often, butnot necessarily the original dedication date. If the monument did not have a formal dedication, the yearlisted reflects the date of installation.

For more information, please contact Art & Antiquities at (212) 360-8163

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