Bernini’s First Italian Water Fountains
Bernini’s First Italian Water Fountains The Barcaccia, a stunning fountain built at the base of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna, was Bernini's earliest fountain.
To this day, you will find Roman residents and vacation goers filling this spot to revel in chit chatter and being among other people. One of the city’s most stylish gathering places are the streets surrounding Bernini's fountain, which would undoubtedly have brought a smile to the great Bernini. Dating back to around 1630, Pope Urbano VIII commissioned what was to be the very first water fountain of the master's career. An enormous vessel slowly sinking into the Mediterranean is the fountain's main theme. Period writings dating back to the 16th century show that the fountain was built as a monument to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. Absenting himself from Italy only once in his life for a lengthy period of time, in 1665 Bernini traveled to France.
Where did Landscape Fountains Begin?
Where did Landscape Fountains Begin? A fountain, an incredible 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.From the onset, outdoor fountains were simply there to serve as functional elements. Residents of cities, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. 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 gravity. Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also generated clean, fresh drinking water. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes.
Muslims and Moorish garden designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. To show his prominence over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were extolled with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains created at the end of the nineteenth served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for amazing water displays.
These days, fountains decorate public areas and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
The Countless Construction Materials of Outdoor Fountains
The Countless Construction Materials of Outdoor Fountains Most modern garden fountains come in metal, although many other types exist.
Metals tend to yield clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can fit almost any design preference or budget. The interior design of your residence should set the look and feel of your yard and garden as well. Today, a lot of people favor copper for their sculptural garden fountains. Copper is appropriate for many fountain styles, including tabletop and cascade water fountains, and can be put either inside or outside - making it a great choice. Copper is also versatile enough that you can choose a range of styles for your fountain, from contemporary to whimsical.
If you are drawn to more traditional -looking water fountains, brass is probably the best option for you. You will see a lot of brass fountains, as their intricate artwork makes them popular even if they are on the more traditional side.
Arguably the most modern of all metals is stainless steel. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and enhance the overall ambiance. Like all water fountains, you can get them in just about any size you prefer.
Fiberglass fountains are widespread because they look similar to metal but are more affordable and much easier to move around. The cleaning of fiberglass water fountains is quite simple, so they have many advantages that people appreciate.