Year of construction:
1928
Design:
German Bestelmeyer
Implementation:
Philip Kittler, Christoph Lenz
Location:
Depiction:
Above a ground-level, very shallow water basin with an octagonal plan rises a tall, octagonal basin consisting of straight wall surfaces.
On the south side, three water spouts in the shape of lion’s heads are installed. A cylinder rises from the basin, bulging out in an onion-shaped form and, in turn, forming a bowl.
Within this bowl stands a smaller cylinder, upon which rests a disc featuring five fantastical dolphin-like figures, which serve as water spouts.
These figures stretch their bodies upwards and balance a sphere on their tail fins. Upon this sphere, a dove spreads its wings.
History:
Included in the overall design conceived by the church’s architect, German Bestelmeyer, the fountain was erected there in 1928.
The fountain is characterised by formal simplicity and a tendency towards geometric forms.
The name ‘Symbolic Fountain’ derives from the depictions of the fish, the dove and the (world) globe as Christian symbols.
In many cultures and religions, the fish is regarded as a symbol of water, but also of life and fertility; in Christian teaching, it also represents the Apostle Peter, a disciple of Christ.
The dove is understood as the herald of divine peace, which the Holy Spirit bestows upon the earth.
The globe is a symbol of the universe, of heavenly perfection and of the absolute omnipresence of God.
Reference:
Elke Masa, Freiplastiken in Nürnberg, S. 435, Verlag Ph.C.W. Schmidt, Neustadt/Aisch