Descrizione

An “obscene” mural, which was brought to light in 1999, in a fountain built in 1265 in Massa Marittima (Grosseto).
Subject to repeated restoration, the fresco of the Fountain of Abundance has provoked discussion and debate for its original design.
A large tree stands high over two groups of women who gather its phallic fruits. At the edges of the basins, at the base of the cross vaults, there are carvings of male and female sexual organs, which can still be identified despite extensive damage.
In this brief essay, the author analyses the possible hypotheses, moving beyond fantastical interpretations to offer conclusions based on current research.