The Genesis Of Garden Fountains

The Genesis Of Garden Fountains The incredible construction of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complete your home.

Pure functionality was the original role of fountains. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains needed to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Genesis Garden Fountains 36464046140.jpg 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 downwards or shoot high into the air. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times utilized by Romans to decorate their fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. To show his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.

Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. The introduction of unique water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.

Nowadays, fountains decorate public areas and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.

The Godfather Of Rome's Outdoor Fountains

The Godfather Of Rome's Outdoor Fountains In Rome’s city center, there are many easily recognized fountains. Nearly all of them were planned, architected and built by one of the greatest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. He was also a city architect, in addition to his skills as a water fountain designer, and traces of his life's work are evident throughout the avenues of Rome. Ultimately travelling to Rome to totally show their art, chiefly in the form of community water features, Bernini’s father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son. The young Bernini was an exemplary employee and received compliments and backing of significant artists as well as popes. He was initially recognized for his sculpture. Most notably in the Vatican, he made use of a base of expertise in ancient Greek architecture and melded it flawlessly with Roman marble. He was influenced by many great artists, however, Michelangelo had the biggest effect on his work.