As the central feature on the lower level of Bethesda Terrace, this gorgeous neoclassical fountain features an 8-foot-tall sculpture of a winged female angel, also known as the "Angel of the Waters," that pours water into a pool below. The angel carries a lily in one hand while the other stretches out in an act of blessing the water by her feet.
It was designed by Emma Stebbins in 1868 and was dedicated in 1873. Stebbins was the first woman to be commissioned for a major work of art in NYC. According to CentralPark.com, she linked the water flowing from the fountain to the healing powers of the Biblical pool and quoted a passage from the Bible: "Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called... Bethesda... whoever then first after the troubling of the waters stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
For tours of Central Park and more, click here.