Contemporary Garden Decor: Fountains and their Beginnings
Contemporary Garden Decor: Fountains and their Beginnings A fountain, an amazing piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for a noteworthy effect. The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow downwards or shoot high into the air. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the artist who created it. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. To mark the entryway of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the construction of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome
Urban fountains built at the end of the nineteenth served only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational gatherings.
The Godfather Of Roman Garden Fountains
The Godfather Of Roman Garden Fountains
There are numerous celebrated water features in Rome’s city center. One of the greatest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini fashioned, conceptualized and constructed nearly all of them. His abilities as a water fountain developer and also as a city architect, are obvious throughout the roads of Rome. Eventually travelling to Rome to totally express their artwork, primarily in the form of community water features, Bernini’s father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son. The young Bernini earned compliments from Popes and influential artists alike, and was an diligent worker. At the beginning he was recognized for his sculptural abilities. He made use of his ability and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most serious impact on him, both personally and professionally.