Fontaine de l'Observatoire

The Fontaine de l'Observatoire stands as a monument to the scientific and artistic ambitions of the nineteenth century. Its central feature is a bronze celestial sphere held aloft by four women who represent the four parts of the world. While these figures appear at first glance to be united in a graceful dance, a closer look reveals a pointed political message. The woman representing Africa has a broken chain around her ankle, a deliberate reference to the ongoing struggle against slavery at the time the fountain was inaugurated in eighteen seventy four.