“It may or may not be the most beautiful fountain in Rome but it is without doubt the most famous. The imaginative concept, the theatrical composition, the sober and imposing beauty of the sculptured marble figures make it a true masterpiece both of sculpture and of architecture. Pietro da Cortona and above all Bernini, who began the undertaking, both had a hand in the project. The death of Pope Urban VIII brought work to a standstill and it was not until about a hundred years later that Clement XII entrusted the work to Nicola Salvi, who finished the undertaking between 1732 and 1751.

The fountain is highly symbolic with intellectual connotations. A tall and sober Arch of Triumph (the palace of Neptune) dominates the scene from on high. It is comprised of an order of four Corinthian columns and is surmounted by an attic with statues and a balustrade. A large niche at the centre of the arch lends balance and symmetry to the whole ensemble. A smaller-niche to the left contains the statue of Abundance by F. Valle, and above this is a fine relief depicting Agrippa approving the plans for the Aqueduct by Andrea Bergondi. The niche on the right contains the figure of Salubrity, also by F. Valle, with a relief above of the Virgin showing soldiers the Way, by G. B. Grossi.

The central niche seems to impart movement to the imposing figure of Neptune who firmly guides a chariot drawn by sea horses, known as the agitated horse and the placid horse, names obviously derived from the way in which the two animals have been represented. As they gallop over the water, the horses are guided in their course by fine figures of tritons which emerge from the water and which were sculptured by P. Bracci in 1762. The setting all around consists of rocks. “ Rome Tourist guid, City of Rome, 1998.