Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin?
Where did Garden Water Fountains Begin?
A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes. Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs nearby. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow downwards or shoot high into the air. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the artist. Roman fountains often depicted imagery of animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. 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 Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains made to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard 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. The creation of special water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational gatherings.
Bernini’s First Italian Water Fountains
Bernini’s First Italian Water Fountains One can see Bernini's earliest masterpiece, the Barcaccia water fountain, at the foot of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. This spot continues to be filled with Roman locals and visitors who enjoy exchanging gossip or going over the day's news. Today, the city streets surrounding Bernini's fountain are a trendy place where people go to gather, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn.
In around 1630, Pope Urbano VIII helped Bernini start off his career with the construction of his first fountain. People can now see the fountain as a depiction of a great ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean. The great 16th century flood of the Tevere, which left the entire region inundated with water, was memorialized by the fountain according to writings from the period. Absenting himself from Italy only once in his life for a prolonged period of time, in 1665 Bernini traveled to France.