Wrocławska fontanna Neptuna - przyczynek do dziejów i symboliki monumentu w świetle najnowszych odkryć
Neptune's Fountain in Wrocław: a contribution to the history and symbolism of the monument in connection with recent discoveries

Summary/Abstract: Neptune’s Fountain, standing on Nowy Targ Square (before 1945 Neumarkt) since 1732, was unquestionably one of the most important symbols of pre-war Wroclaw (before 1945 Breslau), and was destroyed in 1945 due to the siege of the city. It occupied a special place in the consciousness of former inhabitants of the city, not only as a monument. The figure of Neptune, nicknamed Gabeljerge (Gabeljürge, George with a pitchfork) in the Wroclaw dialect, was deeply rooted in local culture. It is surprising that until now, no comprehensive study of the history of this unique fountain has been published. The author aims to fill this gap with this article, presenting the history of this artwork, as well as pointing out its momentous role in the traditions of the pre-war inhabitants of Wroclaw. In particular, he focuses on the renovation of the fountain carried out in 1874. This thread, as it turns out, led to a sensational discovery, which fundamentally changes previous knowledge of the artwork. During the restoration work, the original Baroque sculpture of Neptune was replaced with a new one made by Albert Rachner. It was this artwork that was destroyed during World War II. In turn, the history of the older statue was unknown until now. It ended up in a private garden (formerly a palace park) a few dozen kilometers from Wroclaw. More importantly, this sculpture has been largely preserved to the present day.

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