The Source of Today's Wall Fountains
The Source of Today's Wall Fountains Pope Nicholas V, himself a learned man, reigned the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455 during which time he commissioned many translations of old classical Greek documents into Latin. In order to make Rome worthy of being the capital of the Christian world, the Pope resolved to embellish the beauty of the city. In 1453 the Pope commissioned the rebuilding 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 revived by Nicholas V. The architect Leon Battista Alberti was directed by the Pope to put up 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 reconstructed.The Many Good Reasons to Add a Wall Fountain
The Many Good Reasons to Add a Wall Fountain You can enhance your exterior area by including a wall fountain or an outdoor garden water feature to your yard or gardening project. Modern-day artists and fountain builders alike use historic fountains and water features to shape their creations.
As such, introducing one of these to your interior is a great way to connect it to the past. Among the many properties of these beautiful garden fountains is the water and moisture they release into the air which attracts birds and other wild life as well as helps to balance the ecosystem. Birds drawn to a fountain or bird bath often scare away irritating flying invaders, for instance. Wall fountains are a good choice if your yard is small because they do not require much space in comparison to a spouting or cascading fountain. There are two types of fountains to choose from including the freestanding model with a flat back and an attached basin set up against a fence or a wall in your yard, or the wall-mounted, self-contained variety which is hung directly on a wall. A water feature can be added to an existing wall if you include some kind of fountain mask as well as a basin to gather the water below. It is best not to attempt this job on your own as professional plumbers and masons are best suited to do this kind of work.
The Origins Of Fountains
The Origins Of Fountains A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.
Pure functionality was the original purpose of fountains. Inhabitants of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the designer who created it. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational events.
The Many Construction Materials of Wall fountains
The Many Construction Materials of Wall fountains Most modern garden fountains come in metal, although various other types exist. Metallic versions offer clean lines and unique sculptural accents and will fit in with nearly any decorative style and budget. The interior design of your residence should determine the look and feel of your yard and garden as well.
Today, many people elect copper for their sculptural garden fountains. Copper is appropriate for many fountain styles, including tabletop and cascade water fountains, and can be put either inside or outside - making it a great choice. Copper fountains also come in a wide array of styles - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.
Also common, brass fountains typically have a more old-fashioned look to them versus their copper counterpart. Though not the most stylish, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are commonly made of brass, thus making them very popular.
Of all the metals, stainless steel is viewed as the most modern -looking. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and improve the overall mood. As with all fountains, you can find any size you choose.
Fiberglass is a common material for fountains because you can get the look and feel of metal at a much lower price, and it is lighter weight and easier to move than metal. It is not complicated to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are trendy.