Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Water Fountains
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Water Fountains There are many famous fountains in Rome’s city center. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the best sculptors and artists of the 17th century developed, conceived and produced nearly all of them. His expertise as a fountain creator and also as a city designer, are evident all through the avenues of Rome. Bernini's father, a recognized Florentine sculptor, guided his young son, and they eventually settled in Rome, to thoroughly show their art in the form of public water features and water fountains. An outstanding employee, Bernin received praise and the patronage of popes and important artists. At the start he was known for his sculptural expertise.
Where did Garden Water Fountains Originate from?
Where did Garden Water Fountains Originate from? A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were linked to a spring or aqueduct to provide drinkable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller variations of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his superiority over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. To mark the entryway of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts arrived in the city of Rome
The end of the nineteenth century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to deliver 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.