The Source of Modern Outdoor Garden Fountains
The Source of Modern Outdoor Garden 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 classic Greek texts into Latin. He undertook the beautification of Rome to turn it into the worthy seat of the Christian world. At the behest of the Pope, the Aqua Vergine, a ruined aqueduct which had transported clean drinking water into Rome from eight miles away, was renovated starting in 1453. The ancient Roman custom of building an awe-inspiring commemorative fountain at the point where an aqueduct arrived, also known as a mostra, was revived by Nicholas V. The Trevi Fountain now occupies the area formerly filled with a wall fountain crafted by Leon Battista Albert, an architect commissioned by the Pope. The aqueduct he had refurbished 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.Where did Fountains Originate from?
Where did Fountains Originate from? The dramatic or ornamental effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to supplying drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property.The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional.
Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Until the late 19th, century most water fountains operated using the force of gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and celebrate the designer responsible for creating it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. 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 location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity helped fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational events.
The Father Of Rome's Public Fountain Design
The Father Of Rome's Public Fountain Design There are many famous Roman water features in its city center. One of the finest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, almost all of them were designed, conceived and constructed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. His expertise as a water feature developer and also as a city designer, are obvious all through the streets of Rome. Bernini's father, a celebrated Florentine sculptor, guided his young son, and they eventually settled in Rome, to thoroughly exhibit their art in the form of public water fountains and water fountains. An diligent employee, the young Bernini received compliments and patronage of many popes and important artists. He was initially renowned for his sculpture. Working faultlessly with Roman marble, he used a base of knowledge in the classic Greek architecture, most famously in the Vatican.
Although a variety of artists impacted his artistic endeavors, Michelangelo inspired him the most.
Keeping Your Outdoor Water fountain Clean
Keeping Your Outdoor Water fountain Clean
In order to ensure that water fountains last a while, it is important to practice regular maintenance. It is important to clean it out and remove any debris or foreign elements that might have dropped into or onto it. Another factor is that water that is exposed to sunlight is susceptible to growing algae. Stir hydrogen peroxide, sea salt, or vinegar into the water to avoid this particular dilemma. Some people opt for putting bleach into the water, but the drawback is that it harms wildlife - so it should be avoided. Experts recommend that the typical garden fountain undergoes a thorough scouring every 3-4 months. The first step is to empty out all the water. When you have done this, scour inside the water reservoir with a gentle detergent. Feel free to use a toothbrush if helpful for any tiny crevasses. Be sure to carefully rinse the inside of the fountain to make sure all the soap is gone.
Make sure you get rid of any calcium or plankton by taking the pump apart and washing the inside properly. Letting it soak in vinegar for a couple of hours first will make it much easier to clean. Build-up can be a big hassle, so use mineral or rain water over tap water, when possible, to reduce this dilemma.
Finally, be sure to have a quick look at your fountain every day and add water if you notice that the level is depleted. Low water levels can damage the pump - and you don't want that!