The First Water Features of History

The First Water Features of History As originally developed, fountains were crafted to be practical, directing water from creeks or aqueducts to the citizens of cities and settlements, where the water could be used for cooking, washing, and drinking. A supply of water higher in elevation than the fountain was needed to pressurize the movement and send water squirting from the fountain's nozzle, a system without equal until the late nineteenth century. First Water Features History 397601292536582.jpg

First Water Features History 397601292536582.jpg

The splendor and wonder of fountains make them ideal for historical memorials. When you see a fountain nowadays, that is not what the 1st water fountains looked like. Designed for drinking water and ceremonial reasons, the first fountains were simple carved stone basins. 2000 B.C. is when the oldest identified stone fountain basins were originally used. Early fountains put to use in ancient civilizations depended on gravity to control the flow of water through the fountain. Located near aqueducts or springs, the practical public water fountains supplied the local population with fresh drinking water. Fountains with flowery decoration began to appear in Rome in approx. 6 BC, normally gods and wildlife, made with stone or copper-base alloy. The remarkable aqueducts of Rome supplied water to the incredible public fountains, many of which you can travel to today.

The Godfather Of Roman Outdoor Fountains

Godfather Roman Outdoor Fountains 350423176821.jpg

The Godfather Of Roman Outdoor Fountains There are countless famous water features in the city center of Rome. Practically all of them were designed, conceived and constructed by one of the finest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He was also a city designer, in addition to his abilities as a water feature engineer, and traces of his life's work are evident throughout the streets of Rome. Eventually moving to Rome to totally reveal their artwork, chiefly in the shape of public water fountains, Bernini’s father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, guided his young son. An outstanding workman, Bernin received encouragement and the patronage of popes and well known artists. His sculpture was initially his claim to glory. He used his ability and melded it effortlessly with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. He was affected by many a great artists, however, Michelangelo had the biggest effect on his work.