The Kronthal Fountain, commonly known as the fountain with dolphins (sometimes interpreted as catfish) on Aleje Marcinkowskiego in Poznań, is currently undergoing a thorough renovation. This historic fountain, dating from the early 20th century, was in urgent need of repair so that the people of Poznań could enjoy it once again. The last major renovation was carried out 20 years ago.
Kronthal Fountain under restoration
The work currently underway on the fountain focuses primarily on the restoration of the sculptures that adorn it. The over-century-old composition features figures of children sitting on dolphins (catfish?), which, after years of use and exposure to the elements, require detailed conservation. Specialists will also restore sections originally made of shell limestone. During previous repairs, these were replaced with a synthetic material which, over time, has lost its durability and aesthetic qualities. The renovation also covers the metal components. The bronze animal figures will be cleaned and then coated with a protective patina to safeguard the surface against corrosion. The stone components of the fountain’s structure will also be repaired. Furthermore, a new water system complete with jets will be installed, enabling the fountain to be fully operational for the coming season. All work is being carried out under the supervision of the conservator, and the contractor has 175 days to complete it.
The history of Poznań’s dolphin fountain
The fountain is known as the Kronthal Fountain. It was funded by the Poznań entrepreneur Gustaw Kronthal, owner of a furniture factory and an active patron of the arts. In the past, he provided financial support for various social initiatives, including the construction of a hospital and an orphanage. He also established a foundation to collect works of art for what was then the National Museum, and is now the National Museum in Poznań. Before the current fountain appeared, a public well funded in 1841 by Edward Raczyński stood on this site. In subsequent years, it came to be known as the Fountain of Hygieia. Initially, it was merely a stone plinth without any sculpture. After the well was moved to the other end of Aleja Marcinkowskiego, the space freed up at the junction with 23 Lutego Street was prepared for a new, much more impressive structure.
Hugo Lederer’s design from the early 20th century.
The current fountain was erected in 1909. It was designed by the Berlin sculptor Hugo Lederer. According to accounts, his design was personally inspected and approved by Emperor Wilhelm II himself. The construction of the fountain cost 25,000 marks at the time, which was a considerable sum for a municipal project in the early 20th century. The structure underwent several renovations in later years. In 1945, it required repair following the hardships of the Second World War. The work was carried out by the sculptor Edward Haupt, a pupil of Lederer. The last major renovation took place in 2006, when the decorative spandrels featuring a shell motif were restored, replacing the post-war balusters. Last year, the stone benches surrounding the fountain were renovated. The current works represent the next stage in the conservation of this unique monument.
Dolphins or catfish? The dispute over the identity of the sculptures
One of the most intriguing aspects of the fountain is the age-old question regarding the species of aquatic animals depicted in the composition. The term ‘fountain with dolphins’ has become established in municipal descriptions and in the literature. Since the early 20th century, the figures of the twin creatures mounted by two boys have been interpreted in precisely this way. On closer inspection, however, doubts arise. These are raised by the shape of the snouts, the massive heads and the form of the torsos, which resemble fish from European rivers more than marine mammals. For this reason, a hypothesis has emerged that the sculptor may have been inspired by the image of a catfish. There is, however, no definitive answer. In practice, the name ‘dolphins’ has become firmly established in the minds of the locals.
Source: Poznań Municipal Greenery Authority
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