Agrippa's Amazing, but Mostly Forgotten Water-Lifting Mechanism
Agrippa's Amazing, but Mostly Forgotten Water-Lifting Mechanism
In 1588, Agrippa’s water-lifting discovery captivated the notice and admiration of Andrea Bacci but that turned out to be one of the last references of the mechanism. It may possibly have come to be outdated when the Villa Medici was able to receive water from the Acqua Felice, the early contemporary conduit, in 1592. In reality it was probably merely abandoned when Ferdinando returned to Florence in 1588 soon after the death of his sibling, Francesco di Medici, leading Ferdinando to give up his cardinalship to protect his position as the next Grand Duke of Tuscany. Although there were various other important water-driven concepts either planned or built during the later part of the sixteenth century, such as scenographic water features, giochi d’acqua or water caprices, and melodious fountains, none was nourished by water like Agrippa’s device.
Where did Large Garden Fountains Come From?
Where did Large Garden Fountains Come From? A fountain, an amazing piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for an extraordinary effect.From the onset, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. Residents of urban areas, 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 connected to nearby aqueduct or spring.
Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains functioned using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and memorialize the artist. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. To depict the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were meant 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 place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational gatherings.