Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From?
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From? A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for an extraordinary effect. From the onset, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to provide potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Used until the nineteenth century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the artist. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
These days, fountains adorn public spaces and are used to recognize individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Garden Fountains for Tight Spaces
Garden Fountains for Tight Spaces The reflective properties of water means it can make small spaces look bigger than they are.
Augmenting the reflective attributes of a fountain or water feature are possible by using dark materials. When the sun goes down, you can use submersed lights in different colors and shapes to illuminate your new feature. Solar powered eco-lights are excellent during the day and submerged lights are perfect for nighttime use. The calming effect created by these is oftentimes used in nature therapies to alleviate anxiety and stress. The foliage in your yard is a great spot to fit in your water feature. Ponds, man-made rivers, or fountains are just some of the ways you can you can make it become the central feature on your property. Examples of areas where you can install a water element include large lawns or small patios. The best way to improve the ambience, place it in a good place and use the right accompaniments.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Garden Fountains
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Garden Fountains There are countless famous water features in the city center of Rome. One of the greatest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, nearly all of them were designed, conceptualized and constructed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Also a city architect, he had capabilities as a fountain designer, and traces of his life's work are noticeable throughout the streets of Rome. To completely reveal their skill, primarily in the form of public water fountains and water fountains, Bernini's father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, guided his young son, and they eventually relocated in the Roman Capitol. An excellent worker, the young Bernini acquired praise and patronage of various popes and influential artists. Initially he was recognized for his sculpting skills. Most particularly in the Vatican, he utilized a base of knowledge in classic Greek architecture and melded it effortlessly with Roman marble. Though many artists impacted his artistic endeavors, Michelangelo inspired him the most.