A Brief History of Early Public Garden Fountains

A Brief History of Early Public Garden Fountains Brief History Early Public Garden Fountains 8748114792996.jpg

Water fountains were originally practical in function, used to bring water from canals or springs to towns and hamlets, providing the inhabitants with clean water to drink, bathe, and prepare food with. A source of water higher in elevation than the fountain was needed to pressurize the flow and send water squirting from the fountain's spout, a technology without equal until the later part of the 19th century. The splendor and spectacle of fountains make them perfect for historical monuments. The common fountains of today bear little similarity to the first water fountains. Designed for drinking water and ceremonial purposes, the very first fountains were very simple carved stone basins. Stone basins are thought to have been 1st utilized around 2000 BC. The first fountains used in ancient civilizations depended on gravity to manipulate the flow of water through the fountain. The placement of the fountains was determined by the water source, which is why you’ll commonly find them along aqueducts, canals, or streams. Fountains with ornate decoration began to appear in Rome in approximately 6 BC, commonly gods and animals, made with stone or copper-base alloy. The City of Rome had an elaborate system of aqueducts that supplied the water for the many fountains that were situated throughout the urban center.

Bernini's Early Showpieces

Bernini's Early Showpieces The Barcaccia, a stunning water fountain built at the base of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna, was Bernini's earliest water fountain. To this day, this area is flooded with Roman locals and tourists alike who enjoy debate and each other's company. One of the city’s most fashionable gathering spots are the streets surrounding Bernini's fountain, which would certainly have brought a smile to the great Bernini. Dating back to around 1630, Pope Urbano VIII mandated what was to be the earliest fountain of the master's career. Illustrated in the fountain's design is a large ship gradually sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. Bernini's Early Showpieces 59753453418.jpg

According to 16th century documents, a great flood of the Tevere covered the entire area in water, an event which was memorialized by the magnificent fountain. In what turned out to be his one and only extended absence from Italy, Bernini {journeyed | traveled] to France in 1665.

Ancient Outdoor Water Feature Artists

Ancient Outdoor Water Feature Artists Often serving as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and cultivated scholars all in one, from the 16th to the late 18th century, fountain designers were multi-faceted people, Throughout the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci illustrated the creator as a innovative intellect, creator and scientific expert. The forces of nature guided him to investigate the properties and motion of water, and due to his fascination, he systematically recorded his findings in his now celebrated notebooks. Innovative water exhibits loaded with symbolic meaning and natural charm transformed private villa settings when early Italian water feature designers paired resourcefulness with hydraulic and gardening expertise. Known for his virtuosity in archeology, design and garden creations, Pirro Ligorio, the humanist, delivered the vision behind the magnificence in Tivoli. Masterminding the phenomenal water marbles, water attributes and water jokes for the various properties near Florence, other fountain engineers were well versed in humanistic subjects and ancient technical texts.