Statue of the week
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Ile Rousseau, Geneva
Les Genevoises never were particularly keen on their local philosopher during his lifetime, despite naming the smaller island on the Rhône after him. It was not until 1835 that another local boy, Ingres-influenced sculptor James Pradier, was commissioned to produce a statue. And then, some time in 2009, they allowed the Université de Genève to bung up a lurid purple dome right in front of Pradier’s work for their exhibition celebrating the human genome. Having deprived the philosopher his customary view of the river, some bright spark decided to give him a mirror so at least visitors could see what he looks like. And a little thought-bubble: Je me suis moi-même posé la question de la magie du vivant (“I too mused on the mystery of life”).
Fountain of the week
Kindlifressenbrunnen, Bern
Not much aquatic action this week, just a mere dribble – but I’m sure you ‘ll agree it’s been well worth staying over in Switzerland for. The baby-eating ogre of Bern has stood in the Kornhausplatz since around 1545. Nobody seems to know why. Various rumours abound, including charges of anti-
semitism (apparently the ogre’s hat was originally yellow, matching the hats that the city’s Jews were forced to wear in earlier days), but the general consensus is that it’s supposed simply to scare kids into eating their greens and acquiring good table manners. Though you can’t see it in this picture, there is a frieze circling the column just above the water spout consisting of a series of bears (the symbol of Bern) dressed in the city guild uniforms, one of whom is sporting a small erection. Which of the town’s dignitaries he is supposed to represent, goodness only knows.
FOUNTAIN OF THE WEEK
Tinguelybrunnen (Tinguely Fountain), Basel
Slap bang in the heart of the city, this extraordinary landmark draws locals and visitors alike to its spraysome delights, particularly on a hot summer’s day. Read more »
Les Genevoises never were particularly keen on their local philosopher during his lifetime, despite naming the smaller island on the Rhône after him. It was not until 1835 that another local boy, Ingres-influenced sculptor James Pradier, was commissioned to produce a statue. And then, some time in 2009, they allowed the Université de Genève to bung up a lurid purple dome right in front of Pradier’s work for their exhibition celebrating the human genome. Having deprived the philosopher his customary view of the river, some bright spark decided to give him a mirror so at least visitors could see what he looks like. And a little thought-bubble: Je me suis moi-même posé la question de la magie du vivant (“I too mused on the mystery of life”). 
