On Florence's main square - Piazza della Signoria - there is a beautiful octagonal fountain, adorned with a statue of Neptune in the center and mythical sea creatures along the edges. This is the famous "Neptune Fountain," whose construction lasted a long 10 years. Work on its creation began in 1565 by order of Cosimo I Medici and was completed just in time for the wedding of Francesco I Medici.
The famous sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati worked on the fountain, taking charge of the statue of Neptune itself, while he was assisted by the local master Giambologna, who created the remaining sculptures. It is worth noting that all these nymphs and satyrs turned out rather elaborate, and their poses are unnatural. By the way, one of the satyrs was stolen in 1830. Neptune himself also suffered - vandals broke off the hand of his right arm, but now the work of art looks as if nothing had ever happened.
Ammannati tried to make Neptune's face resemble Cosimo I Medici in order, first, to express his gratitude to his patron, and second, to emphasize the fact that Florence gained access to the sea with the conquest of Pisa and Livorno. In this way, the master seems to liken Florence to the ruler of the seas.
