The Source of Modern Day Fountains
The Source of Modern Day Fountains Pope Nicholas V, himself a well educated man, governed the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455 during which time he commissioned many translations of old classical Greek texts into Latin. He undertook the beautification of Rome to turn it into the model capital of the Christian world.
Reconstruction of the Acqua Vergine, a ruined Roman aqueduct which had carried fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away, began in 1453 at the behest of the Pope. The ancient Roman tradition of marking the arrival point of an aqueduct with an imposing celebratory fountain, also known as a mostra, was restored by Nicholas V. The Trevi Fountain now occupies the space formerly filled with a wall fountain crafted by Leon Battista Albert, an architect commissioned by the Pope. The aqueduct he had reconditioned included modifications and extensions which eventually enabled it to supply water to the Trevi Fountain as well as the renowned baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona.
Ancient Fountain Designers
Ancient Fountain Designers Multi-talented people, fountain designers from the 16th to the late 18th century often worked as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and highly educated scholars all in one. Exemplifying the Renaissance skilled artist as a innovative legend, Leonardo da Vinci performed as an inventor and scientific guru. He carefully captured his ideas in his now recognized notebooks, after his immense fascination in the forces of nature inspired him to research the properties and mobility of water. Coupling imagination with hydraulic and landscaping mastery, early Italian fountain developers modified private villa settings into innovative water displays complete of symbolic meaning and natural charm. The humanist Pirro Ligorio brought the vision behind the splendors in Tivoli and was celebrated for his skill in archeology, architecture and garden concepts.
For the assorted mansions near Florence, other water fountain designers were well versed in humanist subject areas as well as classical technical texts, masterminding the extraordinary water marbles, water highlights and water humor.
The Countless Designs of Wall Fountains
The Countless Designs of Wall Fountains You can design a place to relax as well as add a touch of style to your porch or yard with a wall fountain since they are excellent adornments to fit into small area. When looking at the many types of outdoor wall fountains available including traditional, antique, modern, or Asian, you are certain to find one best suited to your design ideas. Your preferences dictate the type you buy so while there may not be a prefabricated fountain to suit you, you do have the option of having a custom made one.Depending on your needs, you can select from mounted or freestanding types. Mounted wall fountains are little and self-contained variations which can be hung on a wall. Typically made of resin (to resemble stone) or fiber glass, these kinds of fountains are lightweight and easy to hang. Free-standing fountains, often referred to as floor fountains, are of considerable size, have a basin situated on the ground and a smooth side which leans against a wall. Generally constructed of cast stone, this kind of water feature is not restricted in weight.
Custom-built fountains which can be integrated into a new or existing wall are often prescribed by landscaping designers. The basin and all the required plumbing are best installed by a trained mason. You will need to integrate a spout or fountain mask into the wall. The cohesive look provided by customized wall fountains make them appear to be part of the scenery instead of an afterthought.