The History of Garden Water Fountains
The History of Garden Water Fountains Hundreds of ancient Greek texts were translated into Latin under the auspices of the scholarly Pope Nicholas V, who led the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455. Beautifying Rome and making it the worthy capital of the Christian world was at the center of his objectives. At the behest of the Pope, the Aqua Vergine, a damaged aqueduct which had transported clean drinking water into Rome from eight miles away, was reconditioned starting in 1453.
The historical Roman tradition of marking the entry point of an aqueduct with an magnificent celebratory fountain, also known as a mostra, was restored by Nicholas V. The Trevi Fountain now occupies the space formerly filled with a wall fountain built by Leon Battista Albert, an architect employed by the Pope. The aqueduct he had refurbished included modifications and extensions which eventually allowed it to supply water to the Trevi Fountain as well as the famed baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona.
Statuary As a Staple of Classic Art in Archaic Greece
Statuary As a Staple of Classic Art in Archaic Greece The initial freestanding statuary was developed by the Archaic Greeks, a distinguished achievement since until then the only carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and pillars. For the most part the statues, or kouros figures, were of adolescent and nice-looking male or female (kore) Greeks. Considered by Greeks to characterize splendour, the kouroi were shaped into stiff, forward facing positions with one foot outstretched, and the male statues were always nude, well-built, and athletic. In about 650 BC, the differences of the kouroi became life-sized. The Archaic period was an incredible time of transformation for the Greeks as they grew into new forms of government, formed fresh expressions of art, and achieved information of the men and women and cultures outside of Greece. Similar to other times of historical conflict, disagreements were common, and there were struggles between city-states like The Arcadian wars, the Spartan invasion of Samos.
Outdoor Elegance: Outdoor Fountains
Outdoor Elegance: Outdoor Fountains Since garden water fountains are no longer dependent on a nearby pond, it is possible to place them close to a wall. Due to the myriad possibilities available, it no longer necessary to contend with excavations, complcated installations or cleaning the pond. Due to its self-contained nature, this fountain no longer requires plumbing work. Do not forget, however, to put in water at consistent intervals. Your pond should always have fresh water, so be sure to drain the basin anytime it gets grimy.
Stone and metal are most common elements employed to make garden wall fountains even though they can be manufactured from other materials as well. The most suitable material for your water feature depends completely on the design you choose. Garden wall fountains come in many shapes and sizes, therefore ensure that the design you choose to purchase is hand-crafted, easy to hang and lightweight. Buying a fountain which needs little maintenance is important as well. Even though installing certain fountains can be hard, the majority take little effort because the only parts which need special care are the re-circulating pump and the equipment to hang them. It is very simple to liven up your garden with these styles of fountains.
Contemporary Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Roots
Contemporary Garden Decoration: Outdoor Fountains and their Roots 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.Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. 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 down or shoot high into the air. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and memorialize the artist. Roman fountains usually depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to exalt their positions by including decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
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 ornamental. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to deliver recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Nowadays, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.