Agrippa's Astonishing, but Mostly Forgotten Water-Lifting Technology
Agrippa's Astonishing, but Mostly Forgotten Water-Lifting Technology In 1588, Agrippa’s water-lifting creation captivated the interest and admiration of Andrea Bacci but that turned out to be one of the final references of the device. It may have turned out to be obsolete when the Villa Medici was in a position to obtain water from the Acqua Felice, the early modern conduit, in 1592. This is all the more heartbreaking bearing in mind how impressive Camillo Agrippa’s device was, entirely distinctive in Italy during the centuries that passed between the downfall of ancient Rome and the modern day period. Although there were other relevant water-driven creations either designed or built during the latter part of the sixteenth century, like scenographic water demonstrations, giochi d’acqua or water caprices, and melodious fountains, not one was fed by water like Agrippa’s system.
Modern Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings The incredible construction 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 enhance your home. The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up to the late nineteenth century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move down or shoot high into the air. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the artist. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. The introduction of special water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational events.