The First Garden Fountains of History
The First Garden Fountains of History The water from creeks and other sources was initially supplied to the citizens of nearby communities and municipalities through water fountains, whose purpose was largely practical, not aesthetic. To generate water flow through a fountain until the end of the 1800’s, and generate a jet of water, mandated gravity and a water source such as a creek or reservoir, positioned higher than the fountain. The beauty and spectacle of fountains make them ideal for historic memorials. If you saw the earliest fountains, you probably would not recognize them as fountains. Simple stone basins sculpted from nearby material were the original fountains, used for religious ceremonies and drinking water. The earliest stone basins are suspected to be from about 2000 BC. The first fountains put to use in ancient civilizations relied on gravity to regulate the flow of water through the fountain. Drinking water was delivered by public fountains, long before fountains became elaborate public statues, as pretty as they are practical. Wildlife, Gods, and religious figures dominated the early decorative Roman fountains, beginning to appear in about 6 B.C.. Water for the public fountains of Rome arrived to the city via a elaborate system of water aqueducts.The City Of Rome, Gian Bernini, And Public Fountains
The City Of Rome, Gian Bernini, And Public Fountains There are many renowned fountains in Rome’s city center.
Pretty much all of them were designed, conceived and built by one of the finest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. His expertise as a fountain developer and also as a city designer, are evident all through the avenues of Rome. Bernini's father, a recognized Florentine sculptor, guided his young son, and they finally transferred in Rome, to fully exhibit their artwork in the form of public water features and water fountains. The young Bernini earned compliments from Popes and influential artists alike, and was an excellent worker. At first he was renowned for his sculpting skills. Most notably in the Vatican, he made use of a base of experience in ancient Greek architecture and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble. He was influenced by many great artists, however, Michelangelo had the biggest effect on his work.
Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin?
Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin? The incredible architecture of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complement your home.The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Used until the nineteenth century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were commonly 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 illustrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Beautifying city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.