The fountain took the name from its location, at the acute angle (sprone) formed by the intersection of the two streets, nestled against the private building. It was designed and sculpted by Bernardo Buontalenti in 1608, for the celebration of the wedding between Cosimo II de' Medici and Maria Maddalena d'Austria. The fountain consists of a grotesque bearded face with a waterspout protruding from its mouth, with a swirling marble conch basin below. It is one of the best example of Mannerist style in Florence.