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All France Rennes ‘A Fountain’ by Claudio Parmiggiani
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‘A Fountain’ by Claudio Parmiggiani

Like the monarchs in its home country, this sculpture keeps losing its head.

Rennes, France

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Abi Hunter
The head sculpture is back in its rightful place (for now).   abihunter (Atlas Obscura User)
The head sculpture is back in its rightful place (for now).   abihunter (Atlas Obscura User)
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About

The Fontaine de Coëtquen, by Italian sculptor Claudio Parmiggiani, has graced the Place de Coëtquen in the Breton capital since 1993. Although normal in most regards, the fountain has one feature of particular interest: the severed head.

Despite numerous exigences on the part of the Ville de Rennes, the head has been stolen three times to date: in 2000, in 2009, and again in 2013. One enterprising individual also gave it a moustache in 2003. 

The fountain is part of a larger undertaking by the city of Rennes to promote contemporary art in its public spaces. This particular piece still has its head. For now. 

Related Tags

Public Art Art Severed Heads Sculptures Fountains

Know Before You Go

Rennes is packed with public art. Plan to spend a few hours walking around the surrounding area to take it all in.

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Published

August 22, 2023

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