The First Modern Wall Fountains
The First Modern Wall Fountains Pope Nicholas V, himself a well educated man, ruled the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455 during which time he commissioned many translations of old classical Greek documents into Latin. It was imperative for him to embellish the city of Rome to make it worthy of being known as the capital of the Christian world. Beginning in 1453, the ruined ancient Roman aqueduct known as the Aqua Vergine which had brought clean drinking water into the city from eight miles away, underwent restoration at the behest of the Pope. The historical Roman tradition of marking the entry point of an aqueduct with an imposing celebratory fountain, also known as a mostra, was restored by Nicholas V. At the bidding of the Pope, architect Leon Battista Alberti undertook the construction of a wall fountain in the place where we now find the Trevi Fountain. The aqueduct he had reconditioned included modifications and extensions which eventually enabled it to supply water to the Trevi Fountain as well as the famed baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona.
Where did Fountains Come From?
Where did Fountains Come From? A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Used until the 19th 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. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the artist responsible for creating it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times utilized by Romans to decorate their fountains. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome
Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
Cultural Statuary in Early Greece
Cultural Statuary in Early Greece Sculptors adorned the complex columns and archways with renderings of the gods until the period came to a close and most Greeks had begun to think of their religion as superstitious rather than sacred; at that time, it became more common for sculptors be compensated to show everyday individuals as well. Portraiture came to be widespread as well, and would be welcomed by the Romans when they conquered the Greeks, and sometimes wealthy households would order a depiction of their progenitors to be placed inside their huge familial tombs. A point of artistic enhancement, the use of sculpture and alternate art forms transformed through the Greek Classical period, so it is not entirely accurate to suggest that the arts served only one function. Greek sculpture was a modern part of antiquity, whether the explanation was religious fervor or visual fulfillment, and its contemporary quality may be what endears it to us now.The Countless Construction Materials of Fountains
The Countless Construction Materials of Fountains While today’s garden fountains are made in a number of materials, the majority are crafted from metal. Metallic fountains, with their clean lines and sculptural accents, exist in in a range of metals and can accommodate any style or budget. If you have a modern look and feel to your interior design, your yard and garden should mirror that same look.A common choice today is copper, and it is used in the crafting of many sculptural garden fountains.
Copper is used in cascade and tabletop water fountains as well as many other styles, making it versatile enough for inside and outside fountains. Another benefit of copper fountains is they are versatile and come in a wide variety of styles.
Also common, brass fountains typically have a more old-fashioned style to them versus their copper counterpart. Though not the most stylish, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are commonly made of brass, thus making them very popular.
Of all the metals, stainless steel is recognized as the most modern -looking. If you select a cutting-edge steel design, both the value and tranquility of your garden will get a nice lift. As with all fountains, you can find any size you choose.
Fiberglass fountains are widespread because they look similar to metal but are more affordable and much less cumbersome to move around. The upkeep of fiberglass water fountains is quite simple, so they have many merits that people appreciate.