France, Paris / c. 1320–40
Table Fountain
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Table Fountain as metalwork (France, Paris · c. 1320–40).
This fountain with its minute architectural details and finely made enamel plaques displayed the wealth and refinement of the owner as it entertained his guests. Imagine hearing the ringing of the tiny bells when this fountain was in use.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this metalwork as gilt-silver and translucent enamels.
The museum's collection notes: Conceptually and stylistically, this object is beyond all else a piece of Gothic architecture in miniature with vaults, pinnacles, columns, and traceried arches. Though the artist who created it is unknown, he was unquestionably inspired by the great Gothic buildings of his time. The table fountain is a three-tiered assembly combining cast elements with bent sheets of gilt-silver. To these have been attached a series of enamel plaques representing grotesque figures, some of which play musical instruments. Water wheels and bells were added to capture motion and sound. The rich detail, precious materials, and involved ornamentation of this delu
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