The Magificent Early Wonders by Bernini
The Magificent Early Wonders by Bernini
One can see Bernini's earliest masterpiece, the Barcaccia fountain, at the bottom of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. To this day, this area is filled with Roman locals and travelers alike who enjoy debate and each other's company. Today, the city streets around Bernini's fountain are a trendy area where people go to meet, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn. In about 1630, the great artist built the very first fountain of his career at the behest of Pope Ubano VIII. Illustrated in the fountain's design is a great ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. Period writings dating back to the 16th century indicate that the fountain was constructed as a monument to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. In what became his one and only prolonged absence from Italy, Bernini {journeyed | traveled] to France in 1665.
Where did Fountains Begin?
Where did Fountains Begin? A fountain, an amazing piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for a noteworthy effect.Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. Inhabitants of urban areas, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the artist responsible for creating it. The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Urban fountains made at the end of the nineteenth functioned only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.