The Godfather Of Rome's Public Fountains
The Godfather Of Rome's Public Fountains There are many famous water features in Rome’s city center. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the best sculptors and artists of the 17th century designed, created and built almost all of them. He was additionally a city designer, in addition to his expertise as a water fountain designer, and records of his life's work are evident throughout the avenues of Rome. A famous Florentine sculptor, Bernini's father guided his young son, and they ultimately went to Rome to totally showcase their art, mainly in the form of community water features and water fountains. An excellent worker, the young Bernini earned praise and patronage of many popes and influential designers. His sculpture was initially his claim to popularity. Working gracefully with Roman marble, he utilized a base of expertise in the historical Greek architecture, most especially in the Vatican. He was influenced by many a great artists, however, Michelangelo had the biggest effect on his work.
The Defining Characteristics of Classic Greek Statues
The Defining Characteristics of Classic Greek Statues The initial freestanding sculpture was developed by the Archaic Greeks, a distinguished accomplishment since until then the only carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and pillars.
Younger, ideal male or female (kore) Greeks were the subject matter of most of the sculptures, or kouros figures. Considered by Greeks to represent skin care, the kouroi were structured into rigid, forward facing positions with one foot outstretched, and the male statues were always nude, well-developed, and athletic. Around 650 BC, life-size versions of the kouroi began to be seen. Throughout the Archaic time, a big time of change, the Greeks were evolving new types of government, expressions of art, and a greater comprehension of people and cultures outside Greece. But in spite of the conflicts, the Greek civilization went on to progress, unabated.
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From?
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From? A fountain, an amazing piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for an extraordinary effect.The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, from aqueducts or springs in the area.
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 memorialize the designer. The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were meant to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the spot where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
Urban fountains created at the end of the 19th century served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.