A Short History of Early Outdoor Water Fountains
A Short History of Early Outdoor Water Fountains As initially conceived, fountains were crafted to be functional, guiding water from streams or reservoirs to the citizens of cities and settlements, where the water could be utilized for cooking, washing, and drinking. In the days before electric power, the spray of fountains was driven by gravity alone, often using an aqueduct or water resource located far away in the nearby mountains. Frequently used as monuments and commemorative edifices, water fountains have inspired travelers from all over the world throughout the ages. When you see a fountain nowadays, that is definitely not what the very first water fountains looked like. Created for drinking water and ceremonial reasons, the first fountains were basic carved stone basins.
2,000 B.C. is when the oldest known stone fountain basins were used. The force of gravity was the power source that controlled the oldest water fountains. Drinking water was delivered by public fountains, long before fountains became ornate public monuments, as pretty as they are functional. The people of Rome began creating decorative fountains in 6 B.C., most of which were bronze or natural stone masks of wildlife and mythological characters. The Romans had an elaborate system of aqueducts that delivered the water for the countless fountains that were situated throughout the urban center.
The Countless Construction Materials of Landscape Fountains
The Countless Construction Materials of Landscape Fountains Garden fountains today are mostly made from metal, though you can find them in other materials too. Metallic versions offer clean lines and unique sculptural accents and will fit in with nearly any decorative style and budget. It is very important that your landscape reflects the style of your residence.A common choice today is copper, and it is used in the designing of many sculptural garden fountains. Copper fountains are the best option because they are perfect for the inside and outside.
Another advantage of copper fountains is they are versatile and come in a wide assortment of styles.
Brass water fountains are also common, though they tend to have a more traditional look than copper ones. Although it is not the most stylish, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are commonly made of brass, thus making them very popular.
Of all the metals, stainless steel is viewed as the most contemporary-looking. A modern steel design will quickly boost the value of your garden as well as the feeling of serenity. As with most fountains, they are available in numerous sizes.
Fiberglass fountains are well liked because they look similar to metal but are more affordable and much less cumbersome to move around. Keeping a fiberglass water fountain clean and working properly is quite easy, another aspect consumers like.
Where did Fountains Come From?
Where did Fountains Come From? A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.
The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs nearby. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water supply, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Serving as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often used by Romans to beautify their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
Urban fountains made at the end of the nineteenth functioned only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational activities.
The Defining Characteristics of Ancient Greek Sculpture
The Defining Characteristics of Ancient Greek Sculpture The initial freestanding sculpture was designed by the Archaic Greeks, a notable accomplishment since until then the only carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and columns. Most of these freestanding sculptures were what is known as kouros figures, statues of young, attractive male or female (kore) Greeks. The kouroi, considered by the Greeks to symbolize beauty, had one foot stretched out of a strict forward-facing pose and the male statues were always unclothed, with a strong, powerful build.
Life-sized versions of the kouroi appeared beginning in 650 BC. The Archaic period was an amazing point of change for the Greeks as they grew into new forms of government, produced unique expressions of art, and attained insights of the people and cultures outside of Greece. Nonetheless, the Greek civilization was not slowed down by these fights.
The Hellenic Republic: Cultural Statues
The Hellenic Republic: Cultural Statues Even though most sculptors were paid by the temples to embellish the detailed columns and archways with renderings of the gods of old, as the time period came to a close, it became more prevalent for sculptors to portray common people as well mainly because many of Greeks had begun to think of their religion as superstitious rather than sacred. Portraiture, which would be accepted by the Romans upon their annexation of Greek civilization became traditional as well, and wealthy families would often commission a portrayal of their forebears to be added in enormous familial tombs. Over the years of The Greek Classical period, a time of artistic development, the use of sculpture and other art forms greatly improved, so it is inaccurate to think that the arts delivered merely one function. Greek sculpture was a cutting-edge part of antiquity, whether the cause was faith based fervor or aesthetic satisfaction, and its contemporary excellence may be what endears it to us now.Setting Up and Maintaining Garden Fountains
Setting Up and Maintaining Garden Fountains
Setting up an outdoor wall fountain requires that you bear in mind the dimensions of the space where you are going to place it. In order to hold up its total weight, a solid wall is necessary. So areas or walls which are smaller will most likely require something light. You will need to have an electrical plug in the vicinity of the fountain so it can be powered. Most outdoor wall fountains come with simple, step-by-step instructions according to the type of fountain. Generally, when you purchase an outdoor wall fountain, it will come in an easy-to-use kit that will include all the needed information to install it properly. The kit will contain a submersible pump, the hoses and basin (or reservoir). The basin can usually be concealed among your garden plants if it is not too big. Since outdoor wall fountains need little attention, the only thing left to do is clean it consistently.
Replenish and clean the water on a regular basis. Leaves, branches or dirt are types of rubbish which should be cleared away quickly. Make sure that your outdoor wall fountain is protected from bitterly cold winter temperatures. In order to avoid any damage, such as cracking, from freezing water during the cold winter season, move your pump indoors. All in all, an outdoor wall fountain can last for any number of years with the right upkeep and care.
Anglo Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest
Anglo Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest Anglo-Saxons felt incredible changes to their daily lives in the latter half of the eleventh century due to the accession of the Normans. The Normans were much better than the Anglo-Saxons at architecture and horticulture when they came into power. But there was no time for home life, domesticated design, and adornment until the Normans had overcome the whole realm. Monasteries and castles served separate functions, so while monasteries were large stone structures assembled in only the most fruitful, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the residents focused on learning offensive and defensive practices. The tranquil practice of gardening was unrealistic in these bleak bastions.
The purest specimen of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture existent in modern times is Berkeley Castle. The keep is said to date from William the Conqueror's time. A big terrace meant for strolling and as a way to stop attackers from mining under the walls runs about the building. On one of these terraces lies a quaint bowling green: it's coated in grass and flanked by an old yew hedge that is created into the shape of rough ramparts.