A Brief History of the Early Garden Fountains
A Brief History of the Early Garden Fountains Water fountains were originally practical in purpose, used to bring water from rivers or springs to cities and hamlets, supplying the residents with fresh water to drink, bathe, and prepare food with. To make water flow through a fountain until the late 1800’s, and create a jet of water, mandated gravity and a water source such as a spring or reservoir, positioned higher than the fountain.
Fountains spanning history have been crafted as monuments, impressing hometown citizens and visitors alike. If you saw the earliest fountains, you wouldn't identify them as fountains. A stone basin, carved from rock, was the very first fountain, utilized for containing water for drinking and religious functions. Stone basins as fountains have been uncovered from 2000 BC. Early fountains used in ancient civilizations depended on gravity to regulate the flow of water through the fountain. Drinking water was supplied by public fountains, long before fountains became elaborate public monuments, as attractive as they are practical. Wildlife, Gods, and spectral figures dominated the early decorative Roman fountains, starting to appear in about 6 BC. The people of Rome had an elaborate system of aqueducts that provided the water for the numerous fountains that were placed throughout the city.
Bernini's Garden Fountains
Bernini's Garden Fountains There are countless famed Roman water fountains in its city center. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the most brilliant sculptors and artists of the 17th century planned, created and constructed almost all of them. He was also a city architect, in addition to his skills as a fountain engineer, and records of his life's work are evident throughout the avenues of Rome. To completely express their art, primarily in the form of public water fountains and water features, Bernini's father, a distinguished Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they eventually moved in the Roman Capitol. An diligent worker, the young Bernini acquired praise and patronage of many popes and important artists.
He was initially recognized 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 profound impact on him, both personally and professionally.
The Various Construction Materials of Fountains
The Various Construction Materials of Fountains While today’s garden fountains are made in a number of materials, most are crafted from metal. Metals tend to create clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can fit almost any design theme or budget.
If you have a modern look and feel to your interior design, your yard and garden should mirror that same style. One of the more popular metals for sculptural garden fountains presently is copper. Copper is trendy for both inside and outside use and is widely found in tabletop and cascade fountains, among others. Copper is also flexible enough that you can pick a range of styles for your fountain, from contemporary to whimsical.
If you are drawn to more traditional -looking water fountains, brass is probably the best option for you. You will see a lot of brass fountains, as their intricate artwork makes them trendy even if they are on the more traditional side.
The most contemporary metal right now is probably stainless steel. For an immediate increase in the value and serenity of your garden, get one of the contemporary steel designs. Like all water fountains, you can find them in just about any size you choose.
Because it is both lighter and cheaper than metal but has a nearly identical look, fiberglass is quite common for fountains. It is not complicated to clean and maintain a fiberglass water fountain, yet another reason they are trendy.