A Brief History of the First Public Fountains

A Brief History of the First Public Fountains The water from springs and other sources was initially delivered to the residents of nearby communities and cities via water fountains, whose purpose was largely practical, not artistic. Gravity was the power source of water fountains up until the close of the 19th century, using the forceful power of water traveling down hill from a spring or brook to force the water through valves or other outlets. Inspiring and spectacular, large water fountains have been constructed as memorials in nearly all civilizations. Rough in design, the 1st water fountains didn't look much like contemporary fountains. The first recognized water fountain was a rock basin created that served as a receptacle for drinking water and ceremonial functions. Rock basins as fountains have been discovered from 2,000 BC. The jet of water appearing from small spouts was pushed by gravity, the lone power source creators had in those days. Drinking water was provided by public fountains, long before fountains became decorative public statues, as attractive as they are practical. The people of Rome began building elaborate fountains in 6 B.C., most of which were bronze or natural stone masks of creatures and mythological representations. A well-designed collection of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.

Greece: Cultural Sculpture

Greece: Cultural Sculpture Although most sculptors were compensated by the temples to decorate the sophisticated columns and archways with renderings of the gods of old, as the time period came to a close, it became more common for sculptors to portray average people as well because plenty of Greeks had started to think of their religion as superstitious rather than sacred. Portraiture became commonplace as well, and would be embraced by the Romans when they conquered the Greeks, and on occasion affluent families would commission a representation of their progenitors to be placed inside their grand familial tombs. Greece: Cultural Sculpture 882252605617255773.jpg

A time of artistic development, the use of sculpture and other art forms morphed during the Greek Classical period, so it is inexact to assume that the arts served only one function. Greek sculpture is perhaps appealing to us all at present as it was an avant-garde experiment in the historic world, so it doesn't make a difference whether or not its original function was religious zeal or artistic enjoyment.

Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Outdoor Water Fountains

Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Outdoor Water Fountains There are many famed Roman water features in its city center. One of the greatest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, nearly all of them were planned, conceived and built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. His abilities as a water fountain designer and also as a city designer, are evident all through the streets of Rome. Eventually moving to Rome to completely reveal their artwork, chiefly in the shape of community water fountains, Bernini’s father, a distinguished Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son. The young Bernini received praise from Popes and influential artists alike, and was an exceptional worker. His sculpture was initially his claim to fame. Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Outdoor Water Fountains 3828194901758.jpg

Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Outdoor Water Fountains 3828194901758.jpg

He used his knowledge and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most significantly in the Vatican. Although many artists had an influence on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.