Bernini's Fountains
Bernini's Fountains There are many celebrated water fountains in the city center of Rome.
One of the best ever sculptors and artists of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini fashioned, conceptualized and built almost all of them. Also a city designer, he had skills as a water fountain developer, and records of his life's work are noticeable throughout the streets 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 outstanding worker, Bernin received praise and the patronage of popes and important painters. He was originally renowned for his sculpture. Working faultlessly with Roman marble, he used a base of knowledge in the ancient Greek architecture, most obviously in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most profound effect on him, both personally and professionally.
Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin?
Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin? A fountain, an incredible piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for a noteworthy effect.Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. Residents of cities, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. 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. Fountains were not only utilized as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the artist who created it. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational activities.