Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From?
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From? A fountain, an amazing piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for an extraordinary effect.
Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs nearby. Until the late nineteenth, century most water fountains operated using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains played a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains created at the end of the nineteenth served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.
A Brief History of the Early Fountains
A Brief History of the Early Fountains The water from rivers and other sources was initially provided to the occupants of nearby communities and cities by way of water fountains, whose design was mainly practical, not artistic. To generate water flow through a fountain until the late 1800’s, and generate a jet of water, required the force of gravity and a water source such as a spring or reservoir, situated higher than the fountain. The appeal and wonder of fountains make them ideal for historical memorials. The contemporary fountains of today bear little resemblance to the very first water fountains. Simple stone basins sculpted from nearby stone were the first fountains, used for spiritual functions and drinking water. The initial stone basins are presumed to be from around 2000 B.C.. The spray of water emerging from small jets was pushed by gravity, the only power source creators had in those days. The location of the fountains was driven by the water source, which is why you’ll normally find them along aqueducts, canals, or rivers. Fountains with flowery decoration began to show up in Rome in about 6 B.C., normally gods and animals, made with natural stone or bronze.
Water for the open fountains of Rome was delivered to the city via a complicated system of water aqueducts.
The Godfather Of Rome's Water Fountains
The Godfather Of Rome's Water Fountains There are many celebrated water features in the city center of Rome. One of the best ever sculptors and artists of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini fashioned, conceived and built almost all of them.
His abilities as a water fountain designer and also as a city architect, are obvious all through the roads 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. The young Bernini earned praise from Popes and influential artists alike, and was an excellent worker. At the beginning he was known for his sculptural abilities. An authority in ancient Greek architecture, he utilized this knowledge as a starting point and melded it gracefully with Roman marble, most famously in the Vatican. He was influenced by many great artists, however, Michelangelo had the biggest effect on his work.
The Many Reasons to Include a Water Feature
The Many Reasons to Include a Water Feature A great way to enhance the appearance of your outdoor living area is to add a wall fountain or an exterior garden fountain to your landscaping or garden design. Modern-day artists and fountain builders alike use historical fountains and water features to shape their creations. You can also reinforce the link to the past by incorporating one of these to your home's interior design. In addition to the wonderful characteristics of garden fountains, they also produce water and moisture which goes into the air, thereby, attracting birds as well as other creatures and harmonizing the environment. Birds drawn to a fountain or bird bath often scare away irritating flying invaders, for instance. Wall fountains are a good option if your yard is small because they do not require much space in comparison to a spouting or cascading fountain. There are two types of fountains to pick from including the freestanding version with a flat back and an attached basin set up against a fence or a wall in your yard, or the wall-mounted, self-contained variety which is suspended directly on a wall. Make certain to include a fountain mask to an existing wall and a basin to collect the water at the base if you wish to add a fountain to your living area. It is best not to undertake this job yourself as skilled plumbers and masons are best suited to do this kind of work.