The First Modern Wall Fountains

The First Modern Wall Fountains Himself a learned man, Pope Nicholas V headed the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 till 1455 and was responsible for the translation of scores of age-old texts from their original Greek into Latin. First Modern Wall Fountains 8887684454.jpg

First Modern Wall Fountains 8887684454.jpg

In order to make Rome worthy of being the capital of the Christian world, the Pope resolved to enhance the beauty of the city. In 1453 the Pope instigated the repairing of the Aqua Vergine, an historic Roman aqueduct which had carried fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away. Building a mostra, an imposing celebratory fountain built by ancient Romans to memorialize the entry point of an aqueduct, was a custom revived by Nicholas V. The architect Leon Battista Alberti was commissioned by the Pope to build a wall fountain where we now see the Trevi Fountain. The Trevi Fountain as well as the well-known baroque fountains found in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona were eventually supplied with water from the modified aqueduct he had rebuilt.

Water Features Found in Historical Documents

Water Features Found in Historical Documents Water fountains were at first practical in function, used to bring water from rivers or springs to cities and villages, providing the residents with clean water to drink, wash, and cook with. The force of gravity was the power source of water fountains up until the close of the nineteenth century, using the forceful power of water traveling down hill from a spring or creek to push the water through spigots or other outlets. Water Features Found Historical Documents 850063895826720882.jpg

Water Features Found Historical Documents 850063895826720882.jpg

Fountains all through history have been created as memorials, impressing local citizens and tourists alike. Rough in style, the 1st water fountains did not appear much like present fountains. The first accepted water fountain was a natural stone basin created that was used as a receptacle for drinking water and ceremonial functions. 2000 B.C. is when the oldest identified stone fountain basins were actually used. Gravity was the energy source that controlled the initial water fountains. Positioned near reservoirs or springs, the practical public water fountains furnished the local population with fresh drinking water. Fountains with flowery decoration began to appear in Rome in approximately 6 BC, normally gods and creatures, made with stone or bronze. The City of Rome had an elaborate system of aqueducts that provided the water for the numerous fountains that were situated throughout the community.

Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Public Fountains

Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Public Fountains There are many celebrated water fountains in the city center of Rome. One of the most distinguished sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed, conceptualized and constructed nearly all of them. He was also a urban designer, in addition to his skills as a water feature designer, and remnants of his life's work are evident throughout the avenues of Rome. Ultimately transferring to Rome to fully reveal their art, primarily in the shape of public water features, Bernini’s father, a famed Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son. The juvenile Bernini was an exemplary worker and received compliments and backing of significant artists as well as popes. He was originally celebrated for his sculpture. He made use of his knowledge and melded it effortlessly with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most serious impact on him, both personally and professionally.