Builders of the First Water Fountains
Builders of the First Water Fountains Often working as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and discerning scholars, all in one, fountain creators were multi-faceted individuals from the 16th to the later part of the 18th century. Leonardo da Vinci as a creative master, inventor and scientific expert exemplified this Renaissance artist. He methodically recorded his observations in his now recognized notebooks, following his enormous interest in the forces of nature guided him to explore the characteristics and mobility of water. Early Italian water fountain designers changed private villa settings into ingenious water exhibits full of symbolic meaning and natural elegance by combining creativity with hydraulic and horticultural talent. Known for his incredible skill in archeology, architecture and garden design, Pirro Ligorio, the humanist, provided the vision behind the wonders in Tivoli. For the assorted properties near Florence, other fountain developers were well versed in humanist subject areas and ancient technical texts, masterminding the excellent water marbles, water highlights and water humor.
Where did Landscape Fountains Begin?
Where did Landscape 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 drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.The central purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. Inhabitants of cities, townships and small towns utilized them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water source, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Fountains were an excellent source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. To depict 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 adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to provide recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Decorating city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the purposes of modern-day fountains.