The Father Of Roman Fountain Design
The Father Of Roman Fountain Design There are countless popular water fountains in the city center of Rome.
Nearly all of them were designed, designed and built by one of the greatest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Also a city designer, he had capabilities as a water fountain designer, and traces of his life's work are noticeable throughout the avenues of Rome. Bernini's father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they ultimately relocated in Rome, to fully show their art in the form of public water fountains and water features. The young Bernini received compliments from Popes and relevant artists alike, and was an diligent employee. At the beginning he was celebrated for his sculptural expertise. He used his expertise and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most profound impact on him, both personally and professionally.
Where did Fountains Come From?
Where did Fountains Come From? A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for a noteworthy effect. From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply there to serve as functional elements. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. 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 take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Designers thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the artist responsible for creating it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to beautify their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome
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 switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Embellishing city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.