The Origins Of Fountains
The Origins Of Fountains The amazing or decorative effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to providing drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property.Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring.
Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. The main materials used by the Romans to build 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. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made 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 decorative. The introduction of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
The Father Of Roman Public Fountain Design
The Father Of Roman Public Fountain Design There are many renowned water features in the city center of Rome. One of the most distinguished sculptors and artists of the 17th century, almost all of them were designed, conceptualized and built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He was furthermore a urban designer, in addition to his expertise as a water fountain engineer, and remnants of his life's work are evident throughout the streets of Rome. Bernini's father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, guided his young son, and they eventually relocated in Rome, to thoroughly show their art in the form of community water fountains and water fountains. The young Bernini received encouragement from Popes and influential artists alike, and was an excellent worker.
At the beginning he was celebrated for his sculptural skills. He used his ability and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. Though many artists had an impact on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.