The Genesis Of Fountains
The Genesis Of Fountains 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.The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to provide potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water source, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the artist who created it. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. 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 decorative. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for community spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational events.
The City Of Rome, Gian Bernini, And Garden Fountains
The City Of Rome, Gian Bernini, And Garden Fountains In Rome’s city center, there are countless famous water features.
One of the best ever sculptors and artists of the 17th century, nearly all of them were planned, conceptualized and constructed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. His abilities as a water fountain designer and also as a city designer, are evident throughout the avenues of Rome. A famous Florentine sculptor, Bernini's father mentored his young son, and they eventually transferred to Rome to fully exhibit their art, primarily in the form of public water features and water fountains. The young Bernini received compliments from Popes and influential artists alike, and was an exceptional worker. At the beginning he was celebrated for his sculptural expertise. Working seamlessly with Roman marble, he used a base of expertise in the historical Greek architecture, most notably in the Vatican. Though many artists had an impact on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.
Discover Tranquility with Outdoor Water Features
Discover Tranquility with Outdoor Water Features
Your mood is positively influenced by having water in your garden. The sounds of a fountain are perfect to drown out the noise in your neighborhood or in the city where you live. This is a place where you can relax and experience nature. Considered a great rehabilitation element, many water therapies use big bodies of water such as seas, oceans and rivers in their treatments. If you want a heavenly place to go to relax your body and mind, get yourself a pond or water fountain.