Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
The Turtle Fountain
Artifact ID1982.00242.01
Object Type
Sculpture
Gifter
Francesco Mazzola
Artist
Giacomo della Porta
(Italian architect, sculptor, 1532/1533-1602 or 1604)
Artist
Taddeo Landini
(Italian sculptor, architect, ca.1550-1596)
Date
c. 1981-1982
Medium
Metal (bronze), Stone (marble)
Dimensions9 × 6 1/2 × 6 1/2 in. (22.9 × 16.5 × 16.5 cm)
Physical DescriptionA miniature replica of the Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtle Fountain) in Sant'Angelo district of Rome made out of bronze. The fountain depicts four human figures holding up the fountain's bowl mounted on a black marble base. On the front of the base is a metal plaque with an engraving stating, "GIFT OF THE ITALIAN GOVERNMENT FOR PRESIDENT R. REAGAN GIVEN BY THE DEPUTY MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY MR. FRANCESCO MAZZOLA."Historical NoteThe Fontana delle Tartarughe (The Turtle Fountain), located in the Piazza Mattei in the Sant'Angelo district of Rome, was built between 1580 and 1588 by architect Giacomo della Porta and sculptor Taddeo Landini. The turtles were added when the fountain was restored in 1658-1659, and were created by either Gian Lorenzo Bernini or Andrea Sacchi.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Country/CultureItalyIn Collection(s)