The first fountain used for inspiration was a square water basin with a smaller raised basin, this would serve as the model for the fountain that would be erected in Piazza del Popolo, as well as many others. The second fountain that was used for inspiration features a round basin with a small raised basin and four cherubs. The best fountains that della Porta created can be said to be a simple fusion of the architectural lines features in these two fountains. It actually should be said that della Portas fountains are a lovely feature on the streets of Rome, embellishing them with his simple and delicate designs that he actually created on a production line basis. After all of this research on Jacopo della Porta, we finally come to the first fountain erected in Piazza Popolo. The source for this fountain comes from the Rome State Archives. The square, at the time of construction, was little more than a wide country road. The area when the fountain was erected lacked all of the current ornamentation that greets visitors from the north today, boasting only the church of S. Maria del Popolo.
Valadier’s Reorganization in 1800
This may seem rather confusing when picturing the modern square of today featuring four fountains, however this was because it would not be until 1800 that Valadier reorganized the square, adding the fountains around the obelisk. The 16th century fountain is the fountain we are discussing. This fountain would be taken apart and dismantled in front of the peaceful little church of S. Pietro in Montorio, and then was also removed from this location as well, and then was basically forgot about in storage in the cities museums. It would not be rebuilt until 1950 in a small square called Piazza Nicosia. It is here where you can see this ancient fountain. However it is important to note that the only actual piece of work that remains part of della Porta was the octagonal basin of saline marble. The decoration covering the fountain was added later on, and includes two dragons, two eagles, and four dolphins. The design was done in good taste though, done faithfully to the original. The eagles and dragons are actually a mistake, the design was to be the coat of arms of Gregory XIII Boncompagni, which actually had four dragons.
