Modern Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Roots
Modern Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Roots A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes. From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow downwards or jet high into the air. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and memorialize the designer. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times utilized by Romans to beautify their fountains. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
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. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
The Godfather Of Roman Water Fountains
The Godfather Of Roman Water Fountains There are countless celebrated water features in the city center of Rome. One of the most distinguished sculptors and artists of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini planned, created and constructed nearly all of them. His skills as a fountain creator and also as a city designer, are obvious all through the streets of Rome. Bernini's father, a recognized Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they finally transferred in Rome, to fully exhibit their artwork in the form of community water features and water fountains. An diligent worker, the young Bernini earned compliments and patronage of various popes and influential artists. At the start he was recognized for his sculptural abilities.
He used his knowledge and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most significantly in the Vatican. Though many artists had an influence on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.