The Genesis Of Fountains
The Genesis Of Fountains 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 complete your home. The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with potable 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 gravity. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the designer. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
The Godfather Of Roman Outdoor Fountains
The Godfather Of Roman Outdoor Fountains There are many renowned water fountains in the city center of Rome. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the most brilliant sculptors and artists of the 17th century developed, created and constructed nearly all of them. He was also a city architect, in addition to his skills as a fountain developer, and remnants of his life's work are apparent all through the streets of Rome. Bernini's father, a celebrated Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they finally relocated in Rome, to fully exhibit their artwork in the form of community water features and water fountains. The young Bernini earned compliments from Popes and influential artists alike, and was an diligent worker. He was initially recognized for his sculpture. Working faultlessly with Roman marble, he utilized a base of experience in the ancient Greek architecture, most famously in the Vatican.
He was affected by many great artists, however, Michelangelo had the biggest effect on his work.