Triton Fountain (Tritonenbrunnen), Mannheim

Unfortunately, without water, otherwise it would be more effective

Figure groups depicting water-spewing, fish-like creatures of the mythical figures Triton and Nereide, each set in duplicate

In April 1999, with the inauguration of the new underground car park in front of the water tower, the historic fountain of the gods of the sea was put back into operation. The groups of figures, the legendary figures Triton and Nereid playing with water-spitting, fish-like creatures, each created twice, were part of the usual view of the Mannheim landmark for almost a hundred years. Corrosion and vandalism had damaged them so badly in recent decades that the Tritons had to be removed in 1989 and the Nereids in 1993. For many years no one seemed to notice her absence as a regrettable omission. The fountain bowl, which is often empty, was used by roller skaters and skateboarders. The annual Christmas market held around the water tower stretched across the surface of the fountain without having to take into account the disturbing, larger-than-life figures