The First Outdoor Water Features of History

The First Outdoor Water Features of History The water from springs and other sources was originally delivered to the residents of nearby communities and cities by way of water fountains, whose design was primarily practical, not artistic. Gravity was the power source of water fountains up until the end of the nineteenth century, using the potent power of water traveling down hill from a spring or brook to force the water through valves or other outlets. Commonly used as monuments and commemorative edifices, water fountains have impressed travelers from all over the globe throughout the ages. The contemporary fountains of today bear little similarity to the first water fountains. Crafted for drinking water and ceremonial functions, the very first fountains were simple carved stone basins. Natural stone basins as fountains have been found from 2,000 B.C.. The jet of water appearing from small spouts was forced by gravity, the sole power source builders had in those days. These ancient fountains were created to be functional, commonly situated along reservoirs, streams and waterways to supply drinking water. Fountains with ornate decoration started to appear in Rome in about 6 BC, usually gods and animals, made with natural stone or bronze. The people of Rome had an elaborate system of aqueducts that supplied the water for the countless fountains that were located throughout the urban center.

The Defining Characteristics of Ancient Greek Sculpture

The Defining Characteristics of Ancient Greek Sculpture The initial freestanding statuary was designed by the Archaic Greeks, a notable success since until then the sole carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and pillars. Kouros figures, statues of young, good-looking male or female (kore) Greeks, made up the bulk of the sculptures. Representing beauty to the Greeks, the kouroi were crafted to look rigid and always had foot in front; the males were healthy, powerful, and nude. Around 650 BC, life-sized forms of the kouroi began to be observed. A significant time of improvement for the Greeks, the Archaic period introduced about new forms of state, expressions of art, and a greater appreciation of people and cultures outside of Greece. The Arcadian conflicts, the Spartan invasion of Samos, and other wars between city-states are examples of the sorts of battles that emerged commonly, which is consistent with other times of historical transformation.

Anglo Saxon Grounds at the Time of the Norman Conquest

Anglo Saxon Grounds at the Time of the Norman Conquest Anglo-Saxons experienced great adjustments to their day-to-day lives in the latter half of the eleventh century due to the accession of the Normans. The ability of the Normans exceeded the Anglo-Saxons' in architecture and agriculture at the time of the conquest. Anglo Saxon Grounds Time Norman Conquest 39439908315604246371.jpg

Anglo Saxon Grounds Time Norman Conquest 39439908315604246371.jpg

However the Normans had to pacify the entire territory before they could focus on home life, domestic architecture, and decoration. Monasteries and castles served separate purposes, so while monasteries were massive stone structures built in only the most fruitful, wide dales, castles were set upon blustery knolls where the residents focused on learning offensive and defensive practices. Peaceful pursuits such as gardening were out of place in these destitute citadels. Berkeley Castle, potentially the most pristine style of the early Anglo-Norman style of architecture, still exists now. It is said that the keep was created during William the Conqueror's time. A significant terrace serves as a discouraging factor to invaders who would attempt to mine the walls of the building. One of these terraces, a charming bowling green, is covered grass and flanked by an aged yew hedge cut into the shape of crude battlements.

"Old School" Water Feature Manufacturers

Often serving as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and cultivated scholars all in one, from the 16th to the later part of the 18th century, fountain designers were multi-faceted individuals, Leonardo da Vinci, a Renaissance artist, was notable as an imaginative genius, inventor and scientific master. He systematically recorded his experiences in his now celebrated notebooks, after his mind boggling curiosity in the forces of nature inspired him to explore the qualities and motion of water. Coupling imaginativeness with hydraulic and landscaping abilities, early Italian water fountain creators changed private villa settings into ingenious water displays full with symbolic implications and natural charm. The humanist Pirro Ligorio, distinguished for his virtuosity in archeology, architecture and garden design, delivered the vision behind the wonders in Tivoli. Other water feature engineers, masterminding the fantastic water marbles, water attributes and water jokes for the countless domains in the vicinity of Florence, were well-versed in humanist subjects and time-honored scientific readings.