The Origins Of Fountains
The Origins Of Fountains A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for an extraordinary effect.The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical.
Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Designers thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the designer responsible for creating it. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Urban fountains made at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to provide recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
Modern fountains are used to adorn community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
The Father Of Rome's Water Feature Design And Style
The Father Of Rome's Water Feature Design And Style There are many renowned fountains in Rome’s city center.
Practically all of them were designed, conceived and built by one of the greatest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Also a city architect, he had skills as a fountain developer, and remnants of his life's work are obvious throughout the roads of Rome. Bernini's father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they ultimately moved to Rome, in order to fully express their art, primarily in the form of public water fountains and water features. An excellent employee, the young Bernini received compliments and the backing of many popes and influential artists. At the beginning he was celebrated for his sculptural abilities. Working faultlessly with Roman marble, he utilized a base of experience in the historical Greek architecture, most especially in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most profound impact on him, both personally and professionally.
The Public Fountains
The Public Fountains Villages and villages depended on practical water fountains to conduct water for preparing food, bathing, and cleaning from local sources like ponds, streams, or creeks. To produce water flow through a fountain until the end of the 1800’s, and generate a jet of water, demanded the force of gravity and a water source such as a creek or reservoir, positioned higher than the fountain. Fountains spanning history have been developed as memorials, impressing hometown citizens and tourists alike. The common fountains of today bear little resemblance to the very first water fountains.
Crafted for drinking water and ceremonial reasons, the initial fountains were basic carved stone basins. The oldest stone basins are thought to be from around 2000 BC. Gravity was the energy source that controlled the earliest water fountains. These original water fountains were designed to be functional, commonly situated along aqueducts, creeks and rivers to furnish drinking water. The Romans began creating ornate fountains in 6 B.C., most of which were metallic or stone masks of creatures and mythological heroes. A well-designed collection of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.