Bernini’s Very First Italian Water Fountains
Bernini’s Very First Italian Water Fountains The Barcaccia, a stunning water fountain built at the base of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna, was Bernini's earliest fountain. Roman residents and site seers who appreciate verbal exchanges as well as being the company of others still flood this spot. The streets neighboring his water fountain have come to be one of the city’s most stylish gathering places, something which would certainly have pleased Bernini himself. The master's first water fountain of his professional life was built at around 1630 at the behest of Pope Urbano VIII. The fountain’s central motif is based on a massive vessel slowly sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. Period writings dating back to the 16th century indicate 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 lengthy period of time, in 1665 Bernini voyaged to France.The Genesis Of Garden Fountains
The Genesis Of Garden Fountains
From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply there to serve as functional elements. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs in the vicinity. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and more elevated than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move down or shoot high into the air. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and celebrate the artist responsible for building it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to decorate their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to mimic the gardens of paradise. 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. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries manufactured baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the spot where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to provide recycled water into living spaces as well as create unique water effects.
Contemporary fountains are used to embellish community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
Large Outdoor Fountains: The Perfect Decor Accessory to Find Tranquility
Large Outdoor Fountains: The Perfect Decor Accessory to Find Tranquility Water gives peace to your garden environment. The noise in your neighborhood and surrounding area will be masked with the tranquil sounds of a fountain. This is a great spot to relax and experience the natural world around you.