Bernini’s First Italian Fountains
Bernini’s First Italian Fountains
The Barcaccia, Bernini's very first water fountain, is a magnificent chef d'oeuvre built at the bottom of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. This spot is still filled with Roman locals and tourists who like to exchanging gossip or going over the day's news. The streets neighboring his water fountain have come to be one of the city’s most fashionable meeting places, something which would certainly have pleased Bernini himself. In around 1630, Pope Urbano VIII helped Bernini launch his professional life with the construction of his first water fountain. People can now see the fountain as a depiction of a commanding ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean. Period reports dating back to the 16th century show that the fountain was constructed 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 prolonged time period, in 1665 Bernini traveled to France.
Installation and Maintenance of Outdoor Fountains
Installation and Maintenance of Outdoor Fountains A very important first step is to consider the size of the outdoor wall fountain with regards to the space you have available for it.
In order to hold up its total weight, a solid wall is required. Therefore for smaller areas or walls, a lightweight fountain is going to be more suitable. An electrical socket close to the fountain is required to power the fountain. There are many different models of fountains, each with their own set of simple, step-by-step instructions. Generally, when you purchase an outdoor wall fountain, it will come in an easy-to-use kit that will include all the information needed to install it properly. A submersible pump, hoses and basin, or reservoir, are provided in the kit. If the size is average, the basin can be concealed amongst your garden plants. Once installed, wall fountains typically only need to have some light maintenance and regular cleaning.
Replenishing and cleaning the water on a regular basis is very important. Leaves, branches or dirt are types of debris which should be cleared away quickly. Ensure that your outdoor wall fountain is protected from freezing winter temperatures. In order to avoid any damage, such as cracking, from freezing water during the cold winter months, relocate your pump inside. The bottom line is that if you properly maintain and look after for your outdoor fountain, it will bring you joy for years to come.
Water Fountains Lost to History
Water Fountains Lost to History The water from rivers and other sources was initially delivered to the residents of nearby communities and municipalities through water fountains, whose purpose was largely practical, not artistic. A source of water higher in elevation than the fountain was necessary to pressurize the flow and send water spraying from the fountain's spout, a technology without equal until the later half of the nineteenth century. Inspirational and impressive, large water fountains have been built as memorials in most civilizations. The contemporary fountains of today bear little likeness to the first water fountains. Simple stone basins crafted from nearby material were the original fountains, used for spiritual functions and drinking water. Natural stone basins are thought to have been first utilized around the year 2000 BC. The very first civilizations that used fountains relied on gravity to force water through spigots. Drinking water was provided by public fountains, long before fountains became ornate public monuments, as beautiful as they are practical. Creatures, Gods, and spectral figures dominated the very early decorative Roman fountains, beginning to show up in about 6 B.C.. A well-designed collection of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public fountains supplied with fresh water.