Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Water Features
Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Water Features In Rome’s city center, there are many celebrated water fountains. One of the greatest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini fashioned, conceived and constructed almost all of them. Also a city builder, he had skills as a water fountain designer, and remnants of his life's work are noticeable throughout the roads of Rome. To fully express their artwork, mainly in the form of community water features and water fountains, Bernini's father, a celebrated Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they eventually moved in the City of Rome.
The young Bernini received praise from Popes and relevant artists alike, and was an exceptional worker. His sculpture was originally his claim to celebrity. He used his knowledge and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most serious impact on him, both personally and professionally.
The Wide Array of Wall Fountains
The Wide Array of Wall Fountains A small patio or a courtyard is a great spot to situate your wall fountain when you seek peace and quiet. Even a small space can include a customized one. Whether it is stand alone or fitted, you will need a spout, a water basin, internal piping, and a pump. There are any variety of models to pick from including conventional, contemporary, classic, or Asian. Stand-alone wall fountains, otherwise known as floor fountains, are relatively big and feature a basin on the ground.
A stand-alone water feature can either be integrated onto a wall already in existence or fitted into a wall under construction. This type of fountain contributes to a cohesive look making it seem as if it was part of the landscape rather than an added feature.
Where did Fountains Come From?
Where did Fountains Come From?
A fountain, an amazing piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for a noteworthy effect. The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Used until the nineteenth century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains built to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
These days, fountains decorate public areas and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.