Modern Garden Decor: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Beginnings

Modern Garden Decor: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Beginnings The dramatic or decorative effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to supplying drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property.

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From the onset, outdoor fountains were simply there to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. 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 shoot high into the air. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. To show his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by including beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.

Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.

Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.

Bernini's Water Fountains

Bernini's Water Fountains In Rome’s city center, there are many famous public fountains. One of the most distinguished sculptors and artists of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini planned, created and constructed almost all of them. His abilities as a water fountain developer and also as a city architect, are evident all through the avenues 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. Bernini's Water Fountains 362796763739600512.jpg

An outstanding worker, Bernin received compliments and the patronage of popes and well known painters. Initially he was recognized for his sculpting skills. Working gracefully with Roman marble, he utilized a base of knowledge in the classic Greek architecture, most famously in the Vatican. Though many artists had an impact on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.

The Countless Construction Materials of Large Garden Fountains

The Countless Construction Materials of Large Garden Fountains Garden fountains these days are commonly made from metal, though you can find them in other materials too. Metallic ones offer clean lines and unique sculptural accents and will fit in with nearly any decorative style and budget. It is essential that your landscape reflects the style of your residence.

One of the most popular metals for sculptural garden fountains presently is copper. Copper is used in cascade and tabletop water fountains as well as many other styles, making it perfect for inside and outside fountains. Copper is also adaptable enough that you can select a range of styles for your fountain, from contemporary to whimsical.

Brass water fountains are also common, although they tend to have a more traditional look than copper ones. Even though they are a bit old-fashioned, brass fountains are quite common because they often include interesting artwork.

The most modern metal right now is definitely stainless steel. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and enhance the overall atmosphere. Like other water features, they come in an array of sizes.

Because it is both lighter and less expensive than metal but has a comparable look, fiberglass is quite common for fountains. The upkeep of fiberglass water fountains is quite simple, so they have many merits that people appreciate.

The Distribution of Outdoor Garden Fountain Industrial Knowledge in Europe

The Distribution of Outdoor Garden Fountain Industrial Knowledge in Europe Dissiminating useful hydraulic knowledge and fountain design ideas throughout Europe was accomplished with the published documents and illustrated books of the time. An un-named French water fountain engineer was an internationally famed hydraulic innovator in the late 1500's. His experience in designing landscapes and grottoes with incorporated and brilliant water attributes began in Italy and with commissions in Brussels, London and Germany. The book, “The Principles of Moving Forces,” penned near the end of his lifetime in France, turned into the definitive text on hydraulic mechanics and engineering. The book updated important hydraulic breakthroughs since classical antiquity as well as describing modern day hydraulic technologies. As a mechanized way to move water, Archimedes devised the water screw, fundamental among important hydraulic discoveries. An ornamental water fountain with sunlight heating the liquid in two vessels stashed in an nearby accommodation was shown in one illustration. What occurs is the heated water expanded, rises and closes up the pipes leading to the water feature, and thus leading to activation. Garden ponds as well as pumps, water wheels, and water feature creations are incorporated in the publication.