The Source of Modern Outdoor Garden Fountains

The Source of Modern Outdoor Garden Fountains Hundreds of ancient Greek records were translated into Latin under the auspices of the scholarly Pope Nicholas V, who ruled the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455. In order to make Rome worthy of being the capital of the Christian world, the Pope decided to embellish the beauty of the city. In 1453 the Pope commissioned the repairing of the Aqua Vergine, an ancient Roman aqueduct which had carried fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away. The ancient Roman tradition of building an imposing commemorative fountain at the location where an aqueduct arrived, also known as a mostra, was restored by Nicholas V. The architect Leon Battista Alberti was commissioned by the Pope to construct a wall fountain where we now see the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain as well as the well-known baroque fountains located in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona were eventually supplied with water from the modified aqueduct he had rebuilt.

The Godfather Of Rome's Water Fountains

The Godfather Of Rome's Water Fountains Godfather Rome's Water Fountains 60698135501867555.jpg

There are any number of famed Roman fountains in its city center. One of the greatest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini planned, conceived and constructed almost all of them. He was also a city designer, in addition to his skills as a water feature developer, and traces of his life's work are evident all through the avenues of Rome. A renowned Florentine sculptor, Bernini's father mentored his young son, and they ultimately transferred to Rome to thoroughly exhibit their art, chiefly in the form of community water fountains and water features. An outstanding employee, Bernin received praise and the the backing of popes and important painters. His sculpture was initially his claim to fame. He made use of his expertise and melded it gracefully with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. He was affected by many great artists, however, Michelangelo had the biggest impact on his work.