La Fontaine Médicis dans le Jardin du Luxembourg

In this post, we share photos we have taken of La Fontaine Médicis dans le Jardin du Luxembourg (Medici Fountain in Luxembourg Gardens) in Paris, France.

The photo below was taken from the foot of the long basin of water, with the eyes drawn along the line of plane trees, toward the grotto at the end.

The major sculpture in the grotto is the grouping called Polyphemus Surprising Acis and Galatea, by the sculptor Auguste Ottin. According to mythology, Polyphemus was a Sicilian giant in love with the sea nymph Galatea, who was the beloved of the river god Acis. When Polyphemus crushed Acis with a boulder, the gushing blood of Acis was transformed by the gods into the river Acis at the foot of mount Aetna.

The following three photos show a close-up of Polyphemus, a detail photo of his head, and a closer look at the lovers Acis and Galatea. Notice the pipes in Acis’ hand: Faunus (Pan) was his father.

On each side of the top of the fountain is a nymph pouring water from a pitcher.

Directly beneath this nymph is a huntress, standing in a niche and leaning out to peer across to a faun in a niche on the other side (not pictured here).

The long basin of water, the steps leading to the grotto, and the pool at the foot of the grotto are all favorite spots for colorful birds to play.

The Medici Fountain in Luxembourg Gardens is one of our favorite places in Paris.