The artist,(Bernini) designed the fountain in 1643 when work on the Barberini Palace had been completed.
The heraldic symbols of the famous pope Urban VIII stand out clearly on the fountain, which was Bernini's first foray into an art field where he was to show his great talent and originality. He had a genius for incorporating that lively, mobile element, water, into his sculpture.
Until the end of the 18th century, the bodies of the unknown dead were left on show in front of this fountain. A town,(Rome) crier would invite the people to come and recognize the bodies.

Cheers,

 

Dariush

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