The Genesis Of Outdoor Fountains
The Genesis 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 drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to supply drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and memorialize the artist. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create mini variations 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.
The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard 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 decorative. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational gatherings.
Your Outdoor Living Area: A Great Place for a Fountain
Your Outdoor Living Area: A Great Place for a Fountain The area outside your home can be enhanced by adding a wall or a garden fountain to your landscaping or garden project. Any number of present-day designers and fountain artisans have found ideas in the fountains and water features of the past. You can also strengthen the connection to the past by including one of these to your home's interior design. Among the many properties of these beautiful garden fountains is the water and moisture they discharge into the air which attracts birds and other wild life as well as helps to balance the ecosystem. For example, birds lured by a fountain or birdbath can be useful because they fend off bothersome flying insects. Wall fountains are a good option if your yard is small because they do not need much space in comparison to a spouting or cascading fountain. You can choose to install a stand-alone fountain with a flat back and an connected basin propped against a fence or wall in your backyard, or a wall-mounted type which is self-contained and hung from a wall. Both a fountain mask placed on the existing wall as well as a basin located at the bottom to collect the water are necessary if you wish to add a fountain. Be sure to hire a professional for this type of job since it is better not to do it yourself due to the intricate plumbing and masonry work involved.
"Primitive" Greek Artistry: Large Statuary
"Primitive" Greek Artistry: Large Statuary The primitive Greeks developed the first freestanding statuary, an awesome achievement as most sculptures up until then had been reliefs cut into walls and pillars. Kouros figures, sculptures of adolescent, good-looking male or female (kore) Greeks, made up the majority of the sculptures. Considered by Greeks to embody splendour, the kouroi were created into inflexible, forward facing poses with one foot outstretched, and the male statues were always nude, brawny, and athletic. The kouroi became life-sized commencing in 650 BC. The Archaic period was tumultuous for the Greeks as they evolved into more refined forms of federal government and art, and acquired more information and facts about the peoples and societies outside of Greece. Still, these conflicts did little to impede the progression of the Greek civilization.