The sculptural composition, erected in honor of Leopold V, Archduke of Austria, is located in Innsbruck near the Tyrolean National Theatre. The monument, depicting the Archduke himself on horseback, was built during his lifetime, in 1622-1630, and placed in the center of the fountain. The architect Christoph Gumpp was appointed responsible for this project.
In addition to Leopold V himself, the composition includes deities from ancient mythology: the bearded and mighty Ocean, the brave Diana, the gentle Amphitrite, as well as Neptune with his son Triton, and also an unnamed marsh nymph, a helead. The creator of these statues, Caspar Gras, was a follower of Mannerism in art and attached great importance to mysticism and eroticism in his works.
At the beginning of the 18th century, during the peak of the Tyroleans' guerrilla war against the French and Bavarians, the nudity of the sculptures seemed provocative to the local leader of the people's militia, Andreas Hofer, and he raised the issue of their destruction. Fortunately, the problem was resolved peacefully: the sculptures were hidden in Hofburg Palace. A century later, Leopold V got back his entire Greco-Roman company, but already in the form of copies, while the original statues were moved to the Ferdinandeum Museum.
