Outdoor Public Fountains Lost to History
Outdoor Public Fountains Lost to History As originally developed, fountains were designed to be practical, guiding water from creeks or aqueducts to the inhabitants of cities and settlements, where the water could be used for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. The force of gravity was the power supply of water fountains up until the close of the 19th century, using the potent power of water traveling down hill from a spring or creek to push the water through valves or other outlets. The elegance and spectacle of fountains make them ideal for traditional monuments. The common fountains of today bear little similarity to the very first water fountains. A natural stone basin, crafted from rock, was the 1st fountain, used for containing water for drinking and religious functions.
Rock basins as fountains have been recovered from 2,000 BC. The spray of water emerging from small jets was pushed by gravity, the only power source designers had in those days. These ancient water fountains were created to be functional, commonly situated along reservoirs, creeks and waterways to supply drinking water. The people of Rome began building decorative fountains in 6 BC, most of which were bronze or stone masks of creatures and mythological heroes. The impressive aqueducts of Rome furnished water to the incredible public fountains, many of which you can visit today.
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From?
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From?
The dramatic or ornamental effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, as well as providing drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property. From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley meant to serve as functional elements. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains operated using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and celebrate the designer responsible for creating it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often utilized by Romans to decorate their fountains. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational events.