Master Jacopo succeeded in creating an innovative and pleasing form described as situated above an elongated, irregularly shaped platform consisting of two steps. On the steps sits a lovely raised pool that echoes the outline of the base. Without the sharp corners, it is composed of a series of semi-circles and extremely gentle arches with a baluster in the center of the pool which is somewhat similar to the one in Piazza Campitell. Also on the outside of the wide basin, water gushes from the gaping, and contorted mouths of four masks.

With the Fountain in Via del Progresso, Master Jacopo entrusted his designs to the stonemason Pietro Gucci. Gucci created the beautiful raised pool from a large colonnade near the façade of Nero's house where the travertine for the old fountain in Piazza del Popolo also came from.

The first fountain was built in this overpopulated district in 1591 where almost all the Jewish households in Rome huddled together around this little square. The fountain sat right in front of the so-called "Jewish enclosure." Accordingly, this was the gateway to the Ghetto which divided this small neighborhood from the rest of the city.

According to the reports this was the first fountain included in the number of other outdoor fountains that were built in the immediate area of Via del Progresso were involved in a proclamation prohibiting people from to wash clothes, entrails or anything else in the fountains inside the Jewish Ghetto, to throw rubbish or other foul objects, to urinate or do other foul or filthy things. The penalty for violating was interestingly 10 scudi on each occasion, to be paid half to the accuser and the other half to the office of the Street Supervisors. Also, there was a provision against acts that brings upon damage to the said fountains, their ornaments and conduits, or break down the walls to great or little extent, even through play or in pretending to play, or on any other occasion, otherwise perpetrators will be penalized.