The Earliest Documented Public Fountains of History

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The Earliest Documented Public Fountains of History As originally conceived, fountains were designed to be practical, directing water from creeks or aqueducts to the citizens of cities and villages, where the water could be used for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. A supply of water higher in elevation than the fountain was needed to pressurize the movement and send water spraying from the fountain's spout, a system without equal until the late 19th century. Striking and spectacular, large water fountains have been constructed as memorials in nearly all societies. When you see a fountain nowadays, that is definitely not what the very first water fountains looked like. Uncomplicated stone basins created from local stone were the first fountains, used for spiritual purposes and drinking water. Natural stone basins as fountains have been discovered from 2000 BC. The spray of water appearing from small spouts was forced by gravity, the sole power source creators had in those days. Drinking water was delivered by public fountains, long before fountains became decorative public monuments, as striking as they are functional. Fountains with ornate decoration started to show up in Rome in about 6 B.C., normally gods and wildlife, made with natural stone or bronze. A well-designed system of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Water Fountains

Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Water Fountains In Rome’s city center, there are countless famous water fountains. One of the most distinguished sculptors and artists of the 17th century, almost all of them were planned, conceived and built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He was furthermore a urban architect, in addition to his expertise as a fountain designer, and records of his life's work are evident throughout the streets of Rome. Ultimately transferring to Rome to completely reveal their art, chiefly in the form of community water fountains, Bernini’s father, a distinguished Florentine sculptor, guided his young son. Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Water Fountains 82216729471432.jpg

The young Bernini earned encouragement from Popes and influential artists alike, and was an excellent worker. His sculpture was initially his claim to popularity. Most particularly in the Vatican, he made use of a base of expertise in historical Greek architecture and melded it flawlessly with Roman marble. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most serious impact on him, both personally and professionally.

Archaic Greek Artwork: Outdoor Statuary

Archaic Greek Artwork: Outdoor Statuary The initial freestanding statuary was developed by the Archaic Greeks, a recognized achievement since until then the only carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and pillars. Most of the freestanding statues were of young, winsome male or female (kore) Greeks and are called kouros figures. Archaic Greek Artwork: Outdoor Statuary 63351147085786321568.jpg

Symbolizing beauty to the Greeks, the kouroi were crafted to look stiff and typically had foot in front; the males were healthy, strong, and naked. Life-sized versions of the kouroi appeared beginning in 650 BC. A massive time of transformation for the Greeks, the Archaic period helped bring about more forms of state, expressions of artwork, and a greater appreciation of people and customs outside of Greece. But these disagreements did not prohibit the emergence of the Greek civilization. {