The Donkey Fountain (Eselsbrunnen) on the Old Market (Alter Markt) in Halle (Saale) was built in 1913. The bronze sculpture was created by the sculptor Heinrich Keiling. The man who walks with a donkey over a rug of roses refers to an old legend. [German]
This legend dates back to the time of Emperor Otto I. When he was on the way to visit Halle, the entrance road had been covered with roses. Because of the high water on the Saale the emperor changed his route in the short term and an unsuspecting worker with his donkey instead entered the festively decorated street.
But back to the present and reality: I think we should decorate our fountains with flowers more often!