How does this artwork elucidate its History?
Its construction dates back to the period of Spanish Viceroyalty of Enrique de Guzman, Count of Olivares. It was built by Giovanni Domenico D'Auria using a design by the Swiss architect Domenico Fontana (born: 1543, Melide, Switzerland), between 1600 and 1601. Also involved in its completion were the sculptor-architects Michelangelo Naccherino, Pietro Bernini, and Cosimo Fanzago.
The fountain originally stood near the Arsenal in the port. In 1629, it was transported to Largo di Palazzo (now Piazza del Plebiscito), near the Royal Palace of Naples, but since it hindered the festivals held in the plaza there, the fountain was again moved to Borgo Santa Lucia, near Castel dell'Ovo. There, more statues, these by Fanzago were added. In 1638, it was again moved, this time to Largo delle Corregge, today Via Medina. During the revolt of Masaniello in 1647, the statue was damaged. Further damage occurred during the sacking of Naples in 1672 by the Viceroy Pedro Antonio de Aragón. In 1675, it underwent restoration and was moved to the Molo Grande.
This migratory fountain has continued to move through Naples: in 1886, it was dismantled, to reappear two years later in the Piazza Plaza della Borsa (now Plaza Giovanni Bovio), where it stood till 2000, when it was returned to Via Medina to allow for work on the Naples Metro.
Castel dell'Ovo Domenico Fontana Cosimo Fanzago Naples Plaza Giovanni Bovio Royal Palace of Naples Michelangelo Naccherino Masaniello Piazza del Plebiscito Enrique de Guzman, Count of Olivares Borgo Santa Lucia Pietro Bernini Pedro Antonio de Aragón Giovanni Domenico D'Auria