Lorelei Fountain unveiled in The Bronx (1899)

The Lorelei Fountain, a monument to Heinrich Heine, was unveiled in The Bronx on July 8, 1899. Sculpted by Ernst Herter from Italian white marble, the fountain was originally intended for Düsseldorf but relocated due to political opposition. It stands near the Bronx County Courthouse in Joyce Kilmer Park, marking a significant cultural installation in New York City.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The monument was designed by German sculptor Ernst Herter and created in 1896 from Italian white marble. Originally planned for Düsseldorf to honor Heinrich Heine's centenary, antisemitism and nationalist propaganda in the German Empire prevented its completion there. Consequently, the fountain was relocated to New York City, where it was installed in Joyce Kilmer Park in The Bronx.

Unveiling. The fountain was unveiled on July 8, 1899, at East 164th Street and Grand Concourse. A crowd of 4,000 to 6,000 people attended the ceremony, with sculptor Ernst Herter present. The monument features a life-size figure of Lorelei rising above the fountain bowl, supported on a base, situated near the Bronx County Courthouse.

Reception. Despite its artistic intent, the monument faced immediate controversy. It was described as "indecent" by the Christian Association of Abstinence in a February 1900 court case and labeled a "pornographic spectacle" by other sources. Vandalism occurred shortly after installation, including the cutting off of mermaids' arms in 1900, despite police guards.

People involved

Sources

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