The Main Characteristics of Classic Greek Sculpture
The Main Characteristics of Classic Greek Sculpture
Archaic Greeks were well known for developing the first freestanding statuary; up until then, most carvings were constructed out of walls and pillars as reliefs. Kouros figures, sculptures of adolescent, good-looking male or female (kore) Greeks, made up the majority of the sculptures. Representing beauty to the Greeks, the kouroi were created to look rigid and always had foot in front; the males were healthy, powerful, and naked. The kouroi grew to be life-sized starting in 650 BC. The Archaic period was an extraordinary time of transformation for the Greeks as they extended into new modes of government, produced novel expressions of art, and attained knowledge of the men and women and cultures outside of Greece. Throughout this time and other durations of historic tumult, clashes often took place, most notably wars fought amongst city-states such as the Arcadian wars and the Spartan invasion of Samos.
The Origins Of Outdoor Fountains
The Origins Of Outdoor Fountains A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes.
Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. 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. Serving as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Nowadays, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to recognize individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.