Anglo-Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest
Anglo-Saxon Landscapes at the Time of the Norman Conquest The Anglo-Saxon way of life was drastically changed by the appearance of the Normans in the later eleventh century. The talent of the Normans surpassed the Anglo-Saxons' in architecture and agriculture at the time of the conquest. But before concentrating on home-life or having the occasion to contemplate domestic architecture or decoration, the Normans had to subjugate an entire society. Most often designed upon windy summits, castles were straightforward structures that allowed their occupants to spend time and space to offensive and defensive programs, while monasteries were rambling stone buildings generally placed in only the most fecund, broad valleys. The serene method of gardening was unrealistic in these dismal bastions. Berkeley Castle, potentially the most pristine model 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. An enormous terrace encompasses the building, serving as an impediment to attackers trying to dig under the castle walls. On 1 of these terraces lies a quaint bowling green: it is covered in grass and flanked by an old yew hedge that is created into the shape of rough ramparts.
Bernini: The Master of Italy's Greatest Fountains
Bernini: The Master of Italy's Greatest Fountains The Barcaccia, Bernini's very first fountain, is a striking chef d'oeuvre built at the foot of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna.
This spot continues to be filled with Roman locals and tourists who enjoy exchanging gossip or going over the day's news. Today, the city streets surrounding Bernini's water fountain are a trendy place where people go to gather, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn. The master's very first fountain of his professional life was built at around 1630 at the request of Pope Urbano VIII. The fountain’s central motif is based on a massive ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. Period reports dating back to the 16th century indicate that the fountain was built as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. Absenting himself from Italy only once in his life for a long-lasting time period, in 1665 Bernini traveled to France.
Modern Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings The incredible construction of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complement your home. Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Inhabitants 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 nineteenth century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains created at the end of the nineteenth served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.