A Brief History of Early Outdoor Public Fountains

Brief History Early Outdoor Public Fountains 1498467504.jpg

A Brief History of Early Outdoor Public Fountains Water fountains were at first practical in purpose, used to bring water from canals or springs to towns and villages, supplying the inhabitants with clean water to drink, wash, and prepare food with. To generate water flow through a fountain until the late 1800’s, and create a jet of water, required gravity and a water source such as a spring or reservoir, situated higher than the fountain. The splendor and wonder of fountains make them perfect for historical monuments. Crude in design, the very first water fountains did not appear much like contemporary fountains. Simple stone basins sculpted from local rock were the first fountains, used for religious functions and drinking water. The oldest stone basins are presumed to be from about 2000 BC. The force of gravity was the power source that operated the oldest water fountains. The location of the fountains was driven by the water source, which is why you’ll usually find them along aqueducts, waterways, or streams. Fountains with ornate decoration began to appear in Rome in approx. 6 BC, commonly gods and creatures, made with stone or bronze. The impressive aqueducts of Rome supplied water to the spectacular public fountains, most of which you can travel to today.

Classic Greece: The Beginnings of Outdoor Statue Design

Classic Greece: The Beginnings of Outdoor Statue Design Sculptors garnished the elaborate columns and archways with renderings of the greek gods until the time came to a close and more Greeks had begun to think of their religion as superstitious rather than sacred; at that time, it grew to be more common for sculptors be paid to show everyday people as well. Portraiture, which would be recognized by the Romans upon their annexation of Greek civilization became customary as well, and thriving family members would at times commission a portrayal of their forebears to be placed in immense familial tombs. The use of sculpture and other art forms varied through the years of The Greek Classical period, a duration of artistic growth when the arts had more than one objective. Greek sculpture is probably attractive to us all nowadays seeing that it was an avant-garde experiment in the historic world, so it does not make a difference whether its original function was religious zeal or artistic pleasure.