Architectural Sculpture in Historic Greece

Architectural Sculpture in Historic Greece A good number of sculptors were remunerated by the temples to adorn the elaborate columns and archways with renderings of the gods up until the stage came to a close and countless Greeks started to think of their religion as superstitious rather than sacred, when it became more common for sculptors to represent everyday men and women as well. Architectural Sculpture Historic Greece 508155101.jpg

Architectural Sculpture Historic Greece 508155101.jpg

Portraiture became commonplace as well, and would be welcomed by the Romans when they conquered the Greeks, and quite often affluent households would commission a representation of their progenitors to be put inside their grand familial tombs. A time of artistic enhancement, the use of sculpture and other art forms transformed through the Greek Classical period, so it is inaccurate to say that the arts served only one function. Greek sculpture is perhaps appealing to us all today seeing that it was an avant-garde experiment in the ancient world, so it does not matter whether its original purpose was religious zeal or artistic enjoyment.

A Short History of the Early Outdoor Garden Fountains

A Short History of the Early Outdoor Garden Fountains The water from springs and other sources was initially provided to the occupants of nearby communities and cities by way of water fountains, whose purpose was primarily practical, not aesthetic. To produce water flow through a fountain until the later part of the 1800’s, and create a jet of water, mandated gravity and a water source such as a spring or reservoir, positioned higher than the fountain. Short History Early Outdoor Garden Fountains 21247355.jpg

Short History Early Outdoor Garden Fountains 21247355.jpg

Commonly used as monuments and commemorative structures, water fountains have influenced travelers from all over the planet all through the ages. The contemporary fountains of today bear little similarity to the first water fountains. Created for drinking water and ceremonial reasons, the 1st fountains were very simple carved stone basins. The earliest stone basins are believed to be from about 2000 B.C.. The force of gravity was the energy source that operated the earliest water fountains. These original fountains were created to be functional, usually situated along reservoirs, streams and waterways to provide drinking water. Fountains with ornate decoration started to show up in Rome in approximately 6 B.C., usually gods and creatures, made with stone or bronze. Water for the open fountains of Rome was brought to the city via a elaborate system of water aqueducts.

Bernini's Early Masterpieces

Bernini's Early Masterpieces The Barcaccia, a stunning fountain built at the base of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna, was Bernini's earliest water fountain. To this day, you will find Roman locals and vacation goers filling this space to revel in chit chatter and being among other people. Bernini's Early Masterpieces 951596749454.jpg

The streets neighboring his fountain have come to be one of the city’s most stylish meeting places, something which would certainly have pleased Bernini himself. The master's first fountain of his professional life was built at around 1630 at the behest of Pope Urbano VIII. The fountain’s central motif is based on an enormous ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. The great 16th century flooding of the Tevere, which left the entire region inundated with water, was memorialized by the water fountain according to writings from the period. In 1665, France was graced by Bernini's one-and-only extended journey outside of Italy.