Bassin de Saturne (Saturn Fountain), Versailles

The Saturn Fountain, also known as Winter Basin, is a notable water feature in the gardens of Versailles. It is part of the group of basins representing the Four Seasons, which include the Ceres Basin, the Flora Basin, the Bacchus Basin, and the Saturn Basin. The Four Seasons are depicted multiple times throughout Versailles in various sculptures, forming a thematic element that highlights the passage of time and the natural cycles.

Located in the southern part of the gardens, the Saturn Fountain is symmetrically aligned with the Flora Fountain. The centerpiece of this basin is a gilded lead statue of Saturn, the Roman god of time and agriculture, sculpted by François Girardon in 1672. Saturn is depicted seated on a throne, surrounded by playful cupids on an island adorned with seashells. This composition symbolizes winter, capturing the serene and contemplative aspects of the season.

Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1674, the Saturn Fountain is part of the Grand Command, a collection of sculptures that includes statues of the Four Seasons. These artworks were designed to enhance the grandeur and symbolic richness of the gardens. The intricate details and the use of gilded lead for Saturn’s statue reflect the artistic and technical prowess of Girardon, one of the leading sculptors of the era.