Fountain of Neptune, Bologna (Piazza del Nettuno, Bologna, Italy)

The lactating Neptune Fountain is one of Bologna’s most famous landmarks. Built in 1567,

it is a typical example of Italian Mannerist style, which was popular with the courtly elite in

the mid-sixteenth century. The famous lactating Nereid (sea nymph) is situated at the foot

of Neptune. According to local legend, depictions of lactating women in art represented

protection, regeneration and fertility. Some even identify a link between breast milk and

wisdom - and in this case it is an inexhaustible source.