Characteristics of Garden Statuary in Archaic Greece
Characteristics of Garden Statuary in Archaic Greece The initial freestanding statuary was improved by the Archaic Greeks, a notable success since until then the sole carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and columns. Younger, ideal male or female (kore) Greeks were the subject matter of most of the statues, or kouros figures. The kouroi were seen by the Greeks to typify beauty and were sculpted with one foot leading and an uncompromising stiffness to their forward-facing poses; the male statues were always strapping, sinewy, and undressing. The kouroi grew to be life-sized commencing in 650 BC. Throughout the Archaic time, a big time of changes, the Greeks were evolving new forms of government, expressions of art, and a better understanding of people and cultures outside Greece. Conflicts like The Arcadian wars, the Spartan invasion of Samos, and other wars among city-states are indicatory of the tumultuous nature of the time, which was similar to other periods of historical upset. However, these conflicts did not significantly hinder the advancement of the Greek civilization.
Where did Landscape Fountains Begin?
Where did Landscape Fountains Begin?
A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes. From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply 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 nearby. Up until the nineteenth, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water supply, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by including decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
The end of the 19th century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational activities.