When and Where Did Water Features Emerge?

When and Where Did Water Features Emerge? The translation of hundreds of classic Greek documents into Latin was commissioned by the scholarly Pope Nicholas V who led the Church in Rome from 1397 until 1455. He undertook the beautification of Rome to make it into the worthy capital of the Christian world. Starting in 1453, the ruined ancient Roman aqueduct known as the Aqua Vergine which had brought fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away, underwent reconstruction at the behest of the Pope. The ancient 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. Water Features Emerge? 933399284.jpg

Modifications and extensions, included in the restored aqueduct, eventually provided the Trevi Fountain and the well-known baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona with the necessary water supply.

Bernini's Public Fountains

Bernini's Public Fountains Bernini's Public Fountains 2115083976235379701.jpg

There are any number of famous Roman fountains in its city center. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the greatest sculptors and artists of the 17th century planned, created and constructed virtually all of them. He was also a city architect, in addition to his skills as a water fountain designer, and remnants of his life's work are evident all through the streets of Rome. Bernini's father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they ultimately moved to Rome, in order to fully express their art, primarily in the form of public water fountains and water features. An diligent employee, the young Bernini acquired praise and the backing of various popes and important artists. At first he was well known for his sculpting skills. Working seamlessly with Roman marble, he used a base of knowledge in the ancient Greek architecture, most notably in the Vatican. Though many artists impacted his artistic endeavors, Michelangelo influenced him the most.

Attributes of Outdoor Sculpture in Archaic Greece

Attributes of Outdoor Sculpture in Archaic Greece Up right up until the Archaic Greeks created the very first freestanding sculpture, a phenomenal achievement, carvings had largely been completed in walls and pillars as reliefs. Most of these freestanding sculptures were what is known as kouros figures, statues of young, attractive male or female (kore) Greeks. Symbolizing beauty to the Greeks, the kouroi were created to appear rigid and commonly had foot in front; the males were vigorous, strong, and naked. Attributes Outdoor Sculpture Archaic Greece 054213441516.jpg

Attributes Outdoor Sculpture Archaic Greece 054213441516.jpg

In about 650 BC, the varieties of the kouroi became life-sized. The Archaic period was an amazing time of change for the Greeks as they extended into new modes of government, produced unique expressions of art, and achieved knowledge of the men and women and cultures outside of Greece. The Arcadian battles, the Spartan penetration of Samos, and other wars between city-states are examples of the kinds of battles that occurred commonly, which is consistent with other times of historical change.