The Original Outdoor Garden Fountains

The Original Outdoor Garden Fountains As originally conceived, fountains were designed to be functional, directing water from streams or aqueducts to the residents of cities and villages, where the water could be utilized for cooking food, cleaning, and drinking. A source of water higher in elevation than the fountain was necessary to pressurize the flow and send water squirting from the fountain's spout, a technology without equal until the late nineteenth century. Striking and spectacular, prominent water fountains have been built as monuments in many cultures. Simple in design, the 1st water fountains did not look much like modern fountains. The first accepted water fountain was a natural stone basin carved that served as a receptacle for drinking water and ceremonial functions. The initial stone basins are believed to be from around 2000 B.C.. The first civilizations that made use of fountains depended on gravity to push water through spigots. The location of the fountains was determined by the water source, which is why you’ll normally find them along reservoirs, canals, or streams. The people of Rome began creating ornate fountains in 6 BC, most of which were metallic or stone masks of creatures and mythological representations. Original Outdoor Garden Fountains 84358783939412.jpg

Original Outdoor Garden Fountains 84358783939412.jpg

Water for the communal fountains of Rome was delivered to the city via a elaborate system of water aqueducts.

Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Garden Fountains

Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Garden Fountains Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Garden Fountains 65328875109103.jpg

There are numerous celebrated water fountains in the city center of Rome. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the best sculptors and artists of the 17th century designed, created and produced virtually all of them. Traces of his life's efforts are evident throughout the roads of Rome simply because, in addition to his skills as a water fountain builder, he was also a city builder. Eventually transferring to Rome to totally show their art, chiefly in the form of community water fountains, Bernini’s father, a famed Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son. An exemplary workman, Bernin earned encouragement and the the backing of popes and well known artists. At first he was renowned for his sculpting skills. He used his knowledge and melded it gracefully with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. Although many artists impacted his artistic endeavors, Michelangelo affected him the most.