Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Water Fountains
Rome, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, And Water Fountains In Rome’s city center, there are many celebrated fountains. Nearly all of them were planned, designed and constructed by one of the greatest sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. His abilities as a fountain developer and also as a city architect, are visible all through the streets of Rome.
To totally express their skill, mainly in the form of public water features and water features, Bernini's father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they ultimately moved in the Roman Capitol. An exceptional workman, Bernin received encouragement and the patronage of popes and important painters. His sculpture was initially his claim to glory. Working seamlessly with Roman marble, he used a base of expertise in the ancient Greek architecture, most notably in the Vatican. Although many artists had an influence on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.
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 supply drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.
From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply there to serve as functional elements. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to supply potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the designer who created it. The main materials used by the Romans to create their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller variations of the gardens of paradise. To demonstrate his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. To mark the entrance of the restored Roman aqueducts, the Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries commissioned the building of baroque style fountains in the spot where the aqueducts entered the city of Rome
The end of the nineteenth century saw the rise in usage of indoor plumbing to supply drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to purely decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Contemporary fountains are used to adorn community spaces, honor individuals or events, and enhance recreational and entertainment events.