Column fountain - Grasse

In the 19th century (after the demolition of older houses), the square was renovated to provide the inhabitants of the lower parts of Grasse with an alternative food market. Next to the halle, this column fountain was built as the centrepiece of the new Place aux Herbes.

The fountain is built according to the rules of the golden ratio: a mathematical ratio that has been used for centuries in art, architecture, nature and design because it is perceived as naturally harmonious and aesthetic . According to the golden ratio, the largest part is twice as large as the smallest part (two-thirds of the whole).

The fountain consists of a massive column (with column grooves) rising from a square basin . At the corners of the basin are mascarons (stone heads of people or natural forms) from which the water flows down from the column. The mascarons are decorated with leaves or figures , reminiscent of the natural origins of the square as a herb market. Some claim that they represent local figures or caricatures of 19th century townspeople.

The column on the square is in fact a functioning fountain : it was built in the 19th century to provide drinking water to market goers and the residents of the old town. The fountain is located on a gently sloping square , which helped to drain excess water to the lower parts of Grasse. For this reason, the basin around the column is provided with small drainage slots .

Willem Vandenameele