Hebe, Cupbearer to the Gods - Memphis, TN - Smithsonian Art Inventory Sculptures on Waymarking.com

This historic Memphis landmark was erected in Court Square as a donation to the city of Memphis by many prominent Memphians in 1876. It is a copy of a sculpure by Antonio Canova. The fountain features the Greek gods’ mythological cupbearer Hebe. It began with catfish and turtles in its basin, switched to goldfish in the mid-1900s, and, after a renovation in 1980, the basin is now shallow and has a few pennies in it from wishers.-Memphis Art

The Smithsonian Institution Research Information System (SIRIS) description for the fountain says, "A large fountain consisting of a two-tiered cast iron structure topped by a standing figure of Hebe, the Greek goddess of youth and cupbearer of the gods. Hebe wears a long skirt which appears to be tied at the waist. She is nude from the waist up and wears her hair in a chignon. Her proper right arm is raised and she holds a small pitcher in her proper right hand. She pours water into the cup she holds in her proper left hand. Beneath Hebe is a second, larger cast iron basin. Under the first basin are four putti, one in each of the cardinal directions. They appear to be drinking from horn shaped vessels. Beneath the second basin, around a central stem, are four putti and two swans with outstretched wings. The putti are disrobing as if about to take a swim in the fountain. Two are seated and two are standing. The cast iron basins have scalloped edges and are decorated with floral and scroll designs. At the bottom is a large ten-sided granite basin with cast iron embellishments around the outer wall. Around the fountain is a wrought iron fence which follows the outlines of the granite basin. Eight granite urns alternate with fence sections."

Hebe in ancient Greek religion and mythology, is the goddess of youth or the prime of life. She is the beautiful daughter of Zeus and his wife, Hera. Hebe was the cupbearer for the gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus, serving their nectar and ambrosia until she married Heracles (Roman equivalent: Hercules); her successor was the divine hero Ganymede. Another title of hers for this reason is Ganymeda, meaning "Gladdening Princess". Hebe was worshipped as the goddess of forgiveness or mercy at Sicyon.

TITLE: Hebe, Cupbearer to the Gods ARTIST(S): Unknown Sculptor DATE: May 27, 1876 MEDIUM: Sculpture: cast iron, lead, zinc, and aluminum, painted; Base: granite and concrete. CONTROL NUMBER: IAS TN000377 Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link] PHYSICAL LOCATION: Court Square Park 62 N Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH: None noted

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