The Hellenic Republic: Cultural Statuary

The Hellenic Republic: Cultural Statuary Although most sculptors were remunerated by the temples to adorn the elaborate columns and archways with renderings of the gods, as the period came to a close, it became more prevalent for sculptors to represent common people as well mainly because many of Greeks had begun to think of their religion as superstitious rather than sacred. Often times, a representation of wealthy families' ancestors would be commissioned to be laid inside huge familial tombs, and portraiture, which would be copied by the Romans upon their conquest of Greek civilization, also became customary. A time of artistic development, the use of sculpture and other art forms morphed during the Greek Classical period, so it is not entirely accurate to assume that the arts provided only one function. Whether to satisfy a visual yearning or to celebrate the figures of religion, Greek sculpture was an innovative method in the ancient world, which may be what draws our attention currently.

"Old School" Garden Fountain Designers

"Old School" Garden Fountain Designers Multi-talented individuals, fountain designers from the 16th to the late 18th century often functioned as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and highly educated scholars all in one person.

Leonardo da Vinci as a imaginative intellect, inventor and scientific expert exemplified this Renaissance artist. He carefully reported his findings in his now much celebrated notebooks about his research into the forces of nature and the qualities and mobility of water. Brilliant water exhibits complete of symbolic meaning and natural beauty transformed private villa settings when early Italian water fountain designers combined resourcefulness with hydraulic and landscaping skill. The brilliance in Tivoli were provided by the humanist Pirro Ligorio, who was widely known for his capabilities in archeology, engineering and garden design. For the various estates near Florence, other fountain creators were well versed in humanistic themes as well as classical technical texts, masterminding the excellent water marbles, water attributes and water antics.