Brief Outline of Herb Gardening
Brief Outline of Herb Gardening
The Origins Of Fountains
The Origins Of Fountains 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.Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Serving as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. 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. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains built to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Public Fountains
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Public Fountains There are numerous celebrated fountains in the city center of Rome. Practically all of them were planned, designed and built by one of the finest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Traces of his life's work are obvious all through the roads of Rome because, in addition to his abilities as a water fountain designer, he was also a city architect. A famous Florentine sculptor, Bernini's father mentored his young son, and they ultimately went to Rome to thoroughly showcase their art, mainly in the form of community water features and water features. An excellent employee, the young Bernini received compliments and the backing of many popes and influential artists.