Anglo Saxon Gardens During the Norman Conquest
Anglo Saxon Gardens During the Norman Conquest The advent of the Normans in the second half of the 11th century substantially altered The Anglo-Saxon ways of living. Architecture and horticulture were abilities that the Normans excelled in, trumping that of the Anglo-Saxons at the time of the occupation. But before centering on home-life or having the occasion to think about domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire population. Most often constructed upon windy peaks, castles were straightforward structures that permitted their inhabitants to devote time and space to offensive and defensive strategies, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings generally placed in only the most fecund, extensive valleys. Peaceful activities such as gardening were out of place in these destitute citadels. The early Anglo-Norman style of architecture is portrayed in Berkeley Castle, which is most likely the most unscathed sample we have. It is said that the keep was introduced during William the Conqueror's time. A spacious terrace recommended for exercising and as a means to stop enemies from mining below the walls runs about the building. A picturesque bowling green, enveloped in grass and enclosed by battlements clipped out of an ancient yew hedge, forms one of the terraces.The Genesis Of Fountains
The Genesis 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.The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains operated using 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 provided clean, fresh drinking water. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise.
The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
The end of the nineteenth century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
Beautifying city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the uses of modern-day fountains.
The Original Fountain Designers
The Original Fountain Designers Often working as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and highly educated scholars all in one, from the 16th to the late 18th century, fountain designers were multi-talented individuals, Leonardo da Vinci, a Renaissance artist, was celebrated as a ingenious genius, inventor and scientific virtuoso. With his tremendous curiosity regarding the forces of nature, he researched the attributes and mobility of water and carefully documented his examinations in his now famed notebooks. Brilliant water exhibits loaded with symbolic significance and natural wonder changed private villa settings when early Italian fountain designers fused creativity with hydraulic and gardening expertise. The humanist Pirro Ligorio, celebrated for his virtuosity in archeology, architecture and garden design, provided the vision behind the wonders in Tivoli. Other water feature designers, masterminding the phenomenal water marbles, water features and water humor for the various domains near Florence, were tried and tested in humanistic themes and classical scientific texts.Rome, Gian Bernini, And Public Fountains
Rome, Gian Bernini, And Public Fountains There are numerous renowned water features in Rome’s city center. One of the greatest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, virtually all of them were planned, conceptualized and built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He was furthermore a city architect, in addition to his expertise as a fountain engineer, and traces of his life's work are evident throughout the streets of Rome.
To fully reveal their artwork, mainly in the form of public water features and water fountains, Bernini's father, a celebrated Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they ultimately moved in the City of Rome. An diligent employee, the young Bernini earned compliments and the backing of various popes and influential designers. His sculpture was initially his claim to glory. An expert in classic Greek architecture, he used this knowledge as a base and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most famously in the Vatican. Although many artists had an impact on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.