Do you know the Amédée-Larrieu fountain? It sits at Place Amédée-Larrieu, at the intersection of rue Belfort and rue de Belleville. And did you know that this fountain, as you see it, is the one that won a design competition's first prize?
Raoul Verlet wins first prize with this sculpture
In 1897, the son of prefect Amédée Larrieu bequeathed, in his father's name, a sum of money so that a public fountain would be built on this site.
To secure the best possible proposal, a competition was organised, and no fewer than 23 different projects were submitted to grace this square. First prize was awarded to Raoul Verlet for his work titled "Burdigala".
An allegory of the city
In a baroque style, this sculpture shows a woman (representing the city) surrounded by cherubs and satyrs, all set on a huge shell. This massive fountain expresses on its own the duality unfolding on our doorstep. The temptations, the ups and downs of a city that keeps shedding its skin, showing its best… and its worst.
A sculpture that was almost moved
In 1900, at the Paris Salon, a model of this fountain was presented and won a medal of honour, which made the city council wonder whether the fountain deserved an even more prominent location.
The idea did not go down well at all! And it was quickly dropped, as the neighbourhood's residents had grown attached to the sculpture.
Rocaille and Art Nouveau
Standing on the square and looking at this fountain, you cannot help but feel that the whole square is a cleverly orchestrated composition, with the market in the background, its naturalistic décor and its cast-iron railings, creating a skilful and tasty pairing.
This peaceful, beautiful and sometimes unfairly overlooked square is, without a doubt, a gem.
bsh 
