A Brief History of Early Outdoor Fountains
A Brief History of Early Outdoor Fountains
Water fountains were initially practical in purpose, used to bring water from canals or creeks to cities and hamlets, supplying the inhabitants with clean water to drink, bathe, and cook with. In the days before electric power, the spray of fountains was powered by gravity exclusively, often using an aqueduct or water source located far away in the surrounding mountains. The appeal and wonder of fountains make them appropriate for traditional memorials. The common fountains of today bear little resemblance to the first water fountains. Designed for drinking water and ceremonial functions, the 1st fountains were very simple carved stone basins. The oldest stone basins are thought to be from about 2000 BC. The jet of water appearing from small spouts was forced by gravity, the sole power source builders had in those days. These original water fountains were built to be functional, usually situated along reservoirs, streams and rivers to furnish drinking water. Fountains with decorative Gods, mythological monsters, and creatures began to appear in Rome in about 6 B.C., crafted from natural stone and bronze. A well-engineered collection of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.
The Source of Modern Day Fountains
The Source of Modern Day Fountains Hundreds of classic Greek documents were translated into Latin under the auspices of the scholarly Pope Nicholas V, who led the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455. Beautifying Rome and making it the worthy capital of the Christian world was at the heart of his ambitions. Restoration of the Acqua Vergine, a ruined Roman aqueduct which had transported fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away, began in 1453 at the bidding of the Pope.
A mostra, a monumental celebratory fountain built by ancient Romans to mark the point of entry of an aqueduct, was a tradition which was revived by Nicholas V. The architect Leon Battista Alberti was directed by the Pope to construct a wall fountain where we now find the Trevi Fountain. Modifications and extensions, included in the restored aqueduct, eventually provided the Trevi Fountain and the well-known baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona with the necessary water supply.
Architectural Statues in Ancient Greece
Architectural Statues in Ancient Greece
In the past, the vast majority of sculptors were paid by the temples to decorate the involved pillars and archways with renderings of the gods, however as the period came to a close it became more accepted for sculptors to portray regular people as well because many Greeks had begun to think of their religion as superstitious rather than sacred. In some cases, a depiction of wealthy families' ancestors would be commissioned to be placed within huge familial burial tombs, and portraiture, which would be replicated by the Romans upon their conquering of Greek civilization, also became commonplace. A time of aesthetic enhancement, the use of sculpture and alternate art forms transformed during the Greek Classical period, so it is inaccurate to say that the arts provided only one function. Greek sculpture is probably enticing to us all today seeing that it was an avant-garde experiment in the historic world, so it does not matter whether or not its original function was religious zeal or artistic pleasure.
What Are Large Outdoor Fountains Created From?
What Are Large Outdoor Fountains Created From? Though they come in different materials, modern garden fountains tend to be made of metal. Metallic models offer clean lines and unique sculptural accents and will fit in with nearly any decorative style and budget. Your landscape should complement the style of your home.
One of the more popular metals for sculptural garden fountains presently is copper. Copper is common for both inside and outside use and is commonly found in tabletop and cascade fountains, among others. Copper fountains also come in a huge array of styles - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.
Brass water fountains are also popular, although they tend to have a more conventional look than copper ones. Even though they are a bit old-fashioned, brass fountains are quite popular because they often incorporate interesting artwork.
Perhaps the most modern of all metals is stainless steel. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and elevate the overall atmosphere. As with all fountains, you can get any size you need.
Because it is both lighter and less expensive than metal but has a similar look, fiberglass is quite common for fountains. The upkeep of fiberglass water fountains is quite simple, so they have many advantages that people appreciate.