Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Fountains
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Fountains There are numerous renowned water features in the city center of Rome. Almost all of them were designed, designed and built by one of the greatest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He was additionally a city designer, in addition to his expertise as a fountain engineer, and records of his life's work are noticeable all through the avenues of Rome. A famous Florentine sculptor, Bernini's father mentored his young son, and they ultimately transferred to Rome to fully express their artwork, chiefly in the form of community water fountains and water features. An outstanding workman, Bernin received compliments and the patronage of popes and well known artists. His sculpture was initially his claim to popularity.
The First Documented Public Fountains of the Historical Past
The First Documented Public Fountains of the Historical Past Water fountains were initially practical in purpose, used to deliver water from canals or springs to towns and villages, supplying the inhabitants with fresh water to drink, bathe, and cook with. A source of water higher in elevation than the fountain was required to pressurize the flow and send water spraying from the fountain's spout, a system without equal until the late 19th century. Fountains throughout history have been created as monuments, impressing local citizens and visitors alike. The contemporary fountains of modern times bear little likeness to the very first water fountains. Crafted for drinking water and ceremonial reasons, the 1st fountains were very simple carved stone basins. 2,000 BC is when the oldest known stone fountain basins were originally used. The very first civilizations that made use of fountains depended on gravity to push water through spigots. Positioned near reservoirs or springs, the practical public water fountains supplied the local citizens with fresh drinking water. Beasts, Gods, and spectral figures dominated the very early decorative Roman fountains, beginning to show up in about 6 B.C.. Water for the communal fountains of Rome arrived to the city via a elaborate system of water aqueducts.Modern Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Roots

Originally, fountains only served a functional 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. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move downwards or shoot high into the air. Artists thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the designer responsible for creating it. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. The fountains seen in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains built to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Indoor plumbing became the key source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
These days, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to honor individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.