The Origins Of Wall Fountains
The Origins Of Wall Fountains
A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes. Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. Inhabitants of urban areas, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains needed to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water supply, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the artist responsible for building it. The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains built to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
These days, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to recognize individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Sculpture As a Staple of Vintage Art in Ancient Greece
Sculpture As a Staple of Vintage Art in Ancient Greece The first freestanding statuary was designed by the Archaic Greeks, a notable success since until then the only carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and pillars. Most of these freestanding sculptures were what is known as kouros figures, statues of young, attractive male or female (kore) Greeks. The kouroi, regarded by the Greeks to exemplify beauty, had one foot extended out of a strict forward-facing pose and the male figurines were always undressed, with a compelling, strong physique. The kouroi grew to be life-sized commencing in 650 BC. The Archaic period was turbulent for the Greeks as they progressed into more sophisticated forms of government and art, and acquired more data about the peoples and cultures outside of Greece. During this time and other times of historical tumult, clashes often happened, most notably wars fought amongst city-states such as the Arcadian wars and the Spartan infiltration of Samos.
Ancient Greece: Architectural Statuary
Ancient Greece: Architectural Statuary A good number of sculptors were paid by the temples to enhance the intricate pillars and archways with renderings of the gods right up until the stage came to a close and many Greeks started to think of their religion as superstitious rather than sacred, when it became more typical for sculptors to represent everyday men and women as well. Portraiture, which would be recognized by the Romans upon their annexation of Greek society became traditional as well, and thriving families would at times commission a portrayal of their forebears to be added in enormous familial tombs.
Over the years of The Greek Classical period, a time of aesthetic progress, the use of sculpture and other art forms changed, so it is incorrect to say that the arts served merely one purpose. Greek sculpture was actually a modern part of antiquity, whether the explanation was faith based fervor or aesthetic satisfaction, and its contemporary excellence might be what endears it to us today.
Historic Crete & The Minoans: Garden Fountains
Historic Crete & The Minoans: Garden Fountains
Fountains and Water and the Minoan Civilization They not merely helped with the water supplies, they eliminated rainwater and wastewater as well. Most were made from clay or even rock. When manufactured from clay, they were usually in the format of canals and circular or rectangle-shaped pipes. Among these were clay piping which were U shaped or a shorter, cone-like form which have exclusively showed up in Minoan civilization. Terracotta piping were employed to distribute water at Knossos Palace, running up to three meters under the floors. Along with circulating water, the terracotta pipes of the Minoans were also used to collect water and accumulate it. Hence, these conduits had to be able to: Below ground Water Transportation: Originally this particular system appears to have been designed not quite for convenience but rather to provide water for certain people or rites without it being seen. Quality Water Transportation: Given the data, several scholars propose that these pipelines were not linked to the popular water distribution process, supplying the palace with water from a distinctive source.