The Origins Of Wall Fountains
The Origins Of Wall Fountains
A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to supply drinking water, as well as for decorative purposes. Originally, fountains only served a functional purpose. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with potable 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 higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water flow downwards or jet high into the air. Fountains were an optimal source of water, and also served to adorn living areas and celebrate the designer. The main components used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. To replicate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. To show his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the spot where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
Urban fountains built at the end of the 19th century functioned only as decorative and celebratory adornments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the power of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern fountains are used to adorn public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
Gian Bernini's Fountains
Gian Bernini's Fountains In Rome’s city center, there are countless celebrated water fountains. One of the greatest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed, conceptualized and built almost all of them. Also a city architect, he had capabilities as a water fountain designer, and remnants of his life's work are apparent throughout the avenues of Rome. To totally exhibit their art, mainly in the form of public water features and water fountains, Bernini's father, a celebrated Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they eventually relocated in the Roman Capitol. The young Bernini was an exemplary worker and earned praise and patronage of significant artists as well as popes. At the start he was recognized for his sculptural skills.
He made use of his knowledge and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. Though many artists had an impact on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.