2 – BEATRICE FOUNTAIN (ENG)

The central monument of Alberica Square is a fountain inaugurated in 1826, following Napoleon’s fall and the return of the previous sovereign, Maria Beatrice d’Este. The work was sculpted by Pietro Fontana and other Carrara artists. The sculptor drew inspiration from the iconography of Juno, and the statue was complemented by a fountain with a basin topped by a stylized crouching sphinx, a replica of a subject found in the Egyptian collections of the Louvre. However, the work remained incomplete compared to the original design.

It is dedicated to Maria Beatrice d’Este in the guise of Minerva, Duchess of Massa and Princess of Carrara, the last independent ruler of this territory. On the northeast side, one can admire a bas-relief by sculptor Matteo Bogazzi depicting Aronte with the Sister Arts. To the southeast, there is a bas-relief by Giovanni Tacca featuring six figures, among which Minerva with the Genius of Sculpture in Carrara is identifiable, next to the Carrione River. On the northwest side, the bas-relief by Giuseppe del Nero depicts Maria Beatrice seated among Charity, Justice, and Religion.

The work also holds significant historical value as it represents the first public monument created in the city.