The Genesis Of Fountains
The Genesis Of Fountains The incredible construction of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complement your home.Pure functionality was the original purpose of fountains. Water fountains were connected to a spring or aqueduct to provide potable water as well as bathing water for cities, townships and villages. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be higher and closer to a water source, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Acting as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also supplied clean, fresh drinking water.
Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often used by Romans to beautify their fountains. Throughout the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners incorporated fountains to create smaller depictions of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a considerable role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains constructed to mark the place of entry of Roman aqueducts.
Since indoor plumbing became the norm of the day for fresh, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely ornamental. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity allowed fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Modern-day fountains function mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.
From Where Did Water Fountains Emerge?
From Where Did Water Fountains Emerge? The translation of hundreds of classic Greek texts into Latin was commissioned by the scholarly Pope Nicholas V who led the Church in Rome from 1397 till 1455. In order to make Rome worthy of being the capital of the Christian world, the Pope resolved to embellish the beauty of the city. In 1453 the Pope commissioned the reconstruction of the Aqua Vergine, an historic Roman aqueduct which had carried fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away.
The ancient Roman custom of building an imposing commemorative fountain at the point where an aqueduct arrived, also known as a mostra, was resurrected by Nicholas V. The Trevi Fountain now occupies the space previously filled with a wall fountain built by Leon Battista Albert, an architect employed by the Pope. The aqueduct he had reconditioned included modifications and extensions which eventually allowed it to supply water to the Trevi Fountain as well as the renowned baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and the Piazza Navona.
Ancient Greece: Architectural Statuary
Ancient Greece: Architectural Statuary Even though most sculptors were remunerated by the temples to decorate the sophisticated columns and archways with renderings of the gods of old, as the time period came to a close, it became more common for sculptors to depict average people as well because plenty of Greeks had begun to think of their religion as superstitious rather than sacred. In some cases, a representation of affluent families' forefathers would be commissioned to be placed within huge familial burial tombs, and portraiture, which would be copied by the Romans upon their conquest of Greek civilization, also became customary. A point of artistic progression, the use of sculpture and other art forms transformed through the Greek Classical period, so it is inexact to say that the arts provided only one function. Greek sculpture is possibly fascinating to us at present as it was an avant-garde experiment in the historic world, so it does not matter whether its original function was religious zeal or artistic enjoyment.Interior Wall Water Features are Great for House or Office
Interior Wall Water Features are Great for House or Office
Add an ornamental and modern touch to your home by installing an indoor wall fountain. Installing this sort of fountain in your home or office permits you to create an area for your loved ones and clients where there is little noise as well as minimal stress and maximum relaxation. Moreover, this kind of indoor wall water feature will most certainly gain the admiration of your staff as well as your clientele. Your indoor water feature will most certainly capture the interest of all those in its vicinity, and stymie even your most demanding critic as well. While sitting underneath your wall fountain you can revel in the peace it provides after a long day's work and enjoy watching your favorite sporting event. The benefits of an indoor water feature include its ability to release negative ions with its gentle sounds and eliminate dust and pollen from the air while creating a calming setting.