The Tyler Davidson Fountain was unveiled in Cincinnati in November of 1871 and has since become an iconic and beloved treasure of public art in our city. But who is the real woman known as the Genius of the Waters? What do all the characters in the fountain symbolize? Based on the great fountains of Europe, it had a sordid three years of design changes and cost increases. This untold story behind its design and fabrication at the Bavarian Royal Foundry in Munich is guaranteed to surprise and delight. Based on letters between Fredrick von Muller of the Royal Foundry and patron Tyler Davidson, this sordid story tells of a diva artist who couldn’t be kept on track, two budding young artist brothers who both made a name for themselves with other art projects in America, a European war and a Cincinnati city councilman/Cumminsville brewer which almost prevented the fountain’s delivery. The artistry behind this fountain tells of how it still inspires us over 150 years later in a modern world.