Inventors of the First Water Features
Inventors of the First Water Features Commonly serving as architects, sculptors, designers, engineers and discerning scholars, all in one, fountain creators were multi-talented people from the 16th to the late 18th century. Exemplifying the Renaissance artist as a imaginative legend, Leonardo da Vinci worked as an innovator and scientific specialist. He systematically documented his observations in his now famed notebooks about his studies into the forces of nature and the qualities and movement of water. Brilliant water exhibits complete with symbolic meaning and natural charm transformed private villa settings when early Italian fountain designers fused resourcefulness with hydraulic and landscaping skill.
The Origins Of Fountains

Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water supply, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create mini variations of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains built to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains built at the end of the 19th century served only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. The creation of special water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.
Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the purposes of modern-day fountains.
The Godfather Of Rome's Garden Fountains
The Godfather Of Rome's Garden Fountains In Rome’s city center, there are many famous fountains. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the greatest sculptors and artists of the 17th century planned, conceived and built almost all of them.