Bernini’s Early Italian Water Fountains

Bernini’s Early Italian Water Fountains Bernini's earliest fountain, named Barcaccia, is a masterful work of art found at the foot of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. This area continues to be filled with Roman locals and visitors who enjoy exchanging gossip or going over the day's news. Bernini would undoubtedly have been happy to know that people still flock to what has become one the city's trendiest areas, that surrounding his amazing water fountain. In about 1630, the great artist built the very first water fountain of his career at the behest of Pope Ubano VIII. A large vessel slowly sinking into the Mediterranean is the fountain's central theme.Bernini’s Early Italian Water Fountains 933399284.jpg Period writings dating back to the 16th century show that the fountain was built as a monument to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. In 1665, France was graced by Bernini's only prolonged voyage outside of Italy.

Fountain Builders Through History

Fountain Builders History 34255356.jpg Fountain Builders Through History Multi-talented people, fountain artists from the 16th to the late 18th century often functioned as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and highly educated scholars all in one. During the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci exemplified the artist as an innovative master, inventor and scientific virtuoso. With his tremendous fascination regarding the forces of nature, he investigated the properties and mobility of water and systematically recorded his findings in his now much celebrated notebooks. Modifying private villa configurations into amazing water exhibits packed of symbolic significance and natural beauty, early Italian water fountain designers paired resourcefulness with hydraulic and gardening expertise. The humanist Pirro Ligorio provided the vision behind the splendors in Tivoli and was recognized for his abilities in archeology, architecture and garden design. Masterminding the phenomenal water marbles, water features and water jokes for the numerous estates near Florence, some other fountain builders were well versed in humanist topics as well as time-honored scientific texts.

Anglo-Saxon Gardens at the Time of the Norman Conquest

Anglo-Saxon Gardens at the Time of the Norman Conquest The arrival of the Normans in the second half of the eleventh century irreparably transformed The Anglo-Saxon lifestyle. The talent of the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons' in architecture and agriculture at the time of the conquest. However, there was no time for home life, domestic design, and adornment until the Normans had overcome the whole region.Anglo-Saxon Gardens Time Norman Conquest 352328970132188.jpg Most often constructed upon windy summits, castles were fundamental constructs that allowed their occupants to devote time and space to offensive and defensive programs, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings frequently placed in only the most fecund, extensive valleys. The barren fortresses did not provide for the quiet avocation of horticulture. The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is represented in Berkeley Castle, which is conceivably the most untouched example we have. The keep is said to date from William the Conqueror's time period. As a strategy of deterring assailants from tunneling under the walls, an immense terrace encircles the building. On one of these parapets is a picturesque bowling green covered in grass and enclosed by an aged hedge of yew that has been shaped into coarse battlements.
Ancient Fountain Designers Often serving as architects, sculptors, designers, engineers and discerning scholars, all in one, fountain designers were multi-faceted people from the 16th to the late 18th century.... read more


The Countless Styles of Wall Water Fountains Small verandas or courtyards are an ideal place to set up wall fountains since they add style to an area with limited space.Conventional, antique, modern, or Asian are just a few of the styles you can choose from when looking for an outdoor wall fountain to your liking.... read more


Choose from all Sorts of Outdoor Fountains Is it possible for you to transform your yard into a haven of peace?The soothing feeling provided by outdoor fountains is just one of the benefits of installing a water feature in your garden.... read more


The Many Construction Materials of Large Garden Fountains While today’s garden fountains are made in a number of materials, most are crafted from metal.Those made from metals have clean lines and attractive sculptural elements, and are versatile enough to fit any budget and decor.... read more