Ancient Greece: The Origins of Outdoor Statue Design
Ancient Greece: The Origins of Outdoor Statue Design Sculptors garnished the lavish columns and archways with renderings of the gods until the time came to a close and most Greeks had begun to think of their religion as superstitious rather than sacred; at that instant, it became more accepted for sculptors be compensated to depict ordinary people as well. Sometimes, a interpretation of wealthy families' ancestors would be commissioned to be laid within huge familial tombs, and portraiture, which would be copied by the Romans upon their conquest of Greek civilization, also became commonplace. During the the years of The Greek Classical period, a time of aesthetic development, the use of sculpture and other art forms greatly improved, so it is incorrect to think that the arts delivered merely one purpose. Greek sculpture is perhaps fascinating to us all at present because it was an avant-garde experiment in the historic world, so it does not make a difference whether its original function was religious zeal or artistic pleasure.Modern Garden Decoration: Large Outdoor Water Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decoration: Large Outdoor Water 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.The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the artist. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create mini depictions of the gardens of paradise. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were meant to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. 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.
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. The creation of special water effects and the recycling of water were 2 things made possible by replacing gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational activities.