Contemporary Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings
Contemporary Garden Decor: Outdoor Fountains and their Beginnings A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes. Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water supply, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the artist. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times used by Romans to decorate their fountains. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exercise his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
These days, fountains adorn public areas and are used to recognize individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Large Outdoor Fountains: The Perfect Decor Accessory to Find Serenity
Large Outdoor Fountains: The Perfect Decor Accessory to Find Serenity Your mood is positively influenced by having water in your garden. The trickling sounds coming from your fountain can be helpful in masking any unpleasant sounds in your neighborhood. This is a place where you can entertain yourself and experience nature. Bodies of water such as seas, oceans and rivers are commonly used in water therapies, as they are considered therapeutic. Create the perfect oasis for your body and mind and get a fountain or pond today!
Bernini’s Early Italian Fountains
Bernini’s Early Italian Fountains One can find Bernini's very first masterpiece, the Barcaccia fountain, at the base of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. To this day, this spot is filled with Roman locals and tourists alike who enjoy conversation and each other's company. One of the city’s most fashionable meeting spots are the streets surrounding Bernini's fountain, which would certainly have brought a smile to the great Bernini. In about 1630, the great artist built the very first water fountain of his career at the behest of Pope Ubano VIII.
Illustrated in the fountain's design is a great ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean Sea. Period reports dating back to the 16th century indicate that the fountain was built as a monument 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.