Fontaine Saint-Michel de Paris

Dramatic Oasis in the City

A short walk from both Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saint-Chapelle, in the Latin Quarter, is the Place Saint-Michel, anchored by the majestic Neo-Renaissance Fontaine Saint-Michel.  It sits at the north end of the Boulevard Saint-Michel and faces the Ile de la Cité.  

A supple and strong winged St. Michael the Archangel is portrayed in triumph over the devil.  Passers-by and tourists alike stop to take a moment and appreciate this massive monument and the susurrus of its water.

Elegant Archangel.
Good over evil.

Archangel and Saint

Who was St. Michael the Archangel?

His name means “who is like God”, and as his titles indicate, he is considered both saint and angel.  While only three angels have been called saints — Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael — all angels are holy beings.  As an archangel, Michael is the angel of all angels, the leader.

St. Michael is mentioned three times in the Bible:  The first time is in the Book of Daniel where he is standing for God’s people in the end times.  Then the angelic hero is in the Epistle of St. Jude guarding tombs and contending with Satan.  Finally, he is in the Book of Revelation battling with the dragon who represents Satan.  More detailed information on this superlative protector is here and also here.

St. Michael rendered in stained glass.

History and Symbolism

History

When Paris was undergoing major reconstruction for wider streets under architect Baron Haussmann in the mid-19th century, he determined that the Fountain would be attached to the end of a building instead of in the center of the square as was customary. 

The entire space was then designed by Gabriel Davioud.  The original ideas to have it depict Peace and then to celebrate Napoleon Bonaparte were rejected, and thus St. Michael defeating evil came to be chosen.  The statue of him was sculpted by Francisque-Joseph Duret.

At first, this “wall fountain”, with its unusual polychromatic design, was not well-liked but it soon gained popularity.

Symbolism

There is much symbolism found in the fountain scene.  For example, at the top are two statues called Power and Moderation holding the Parisian coat of arms.

As well, the stately red marble Corinthian columns are each topped by bronze statues symbolizing the cardinal virtues:  Prudence, FortitudeJustice, and Temperance.

Coming down to water level, on either side of the fountain, are winged dragons meant to be the devil’s helpers.

Finally, back at the center, is the Archangel himself.  Modeled after Raphael’s 1518 Realism-style painting “St. Michael Vanquishing Satan”, the meaning here is clear.

By the Numbers

2       years to complete

9       major sculptors 

49     feet wide

85     feet high/6 stories (highest in Paris!)

1860  year of completion

1926  listed as historical monument by French Ministry of Culture

1968  gathering place for student riots

Raphael's "St. Michael Vanquishing Satan" oil painting on which the Fountain was modeled.

Prayer

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.  May God rebuke him we humbly pray;  and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits, who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.