Bernini’s Early Italian Fountains
Bernini’s Early Italian Fountains One can find Bernini's very first masterpiece, the Barcaccia water fountain, at the foot of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. To this day, this spot is flooded with Roman locals and travelers alike who enjoy conversation and each other's company. Today, the city streets around Bernini's water fountain are a trendy area where people go to meet, something which the artist would have been pleased to learn.
In about 1630, the great artist built the first water fountain of his career at the behest of Pope Ubano VIII. A large vessel slowly sinking into the Mediterranean is the fountain's main theme. The great 16th century flood of the Tevere, which left the entire region inundated with water, was memorialized by the water fountain according to documents from the period. In 1665 Bernini journeyed to France, in what was to be his only prolonged absence from Italy.
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Begin?
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Begin? A fountain, an amazing 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.The main purpose of a fountain was originally strictly functional. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash.
Until the late 19th, century most water fountains functioned using gravity to allow water to flow or jet into the air, therefore, they needed a source of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Designers thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to provide clean water and honor the designer responsible for creating it. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create mini depictions of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by including decorative 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 restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was substituted by mechanical pumps in order to permit fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for public spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational activities.
Statuary As a Staple of Vintage Art in Archaic Greece
Statuary As a Staple of Vintage Art in Archaic Greece The first freestanding statuary was developed by the Archaic Greeks, a recognized success since until then the sole carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and columns. For the most part the statues, or kouros figures, were of adolescent and desirable male or female (kore) Greeks.
Symbolizing beauty to the Greeks, the kouroi were made to appear stiff and always had foot in front; the males were healthy, robust, and naked. In about 650 BC, the differences of the kouroi became life-sized. During the Archaic time, a great time of changes, the Greeks were evolving new sorts of government, expressions of art, and a greater understanding of people and cultures outside Greece. But in spite of the disputes, the Greek civilization continued to progress, unabated.
Outdoor Wall Fountains: The Many Styles on the Market
Outdoor Wall Fountains: The Many Styles on the Market If you want to have a place to relax and add some flair to a small area such as a patio or courtyard, wall fountains are ideal because they do not occupy much space. The multitude of styles in outdoor wall fountains, including traditional, classic, contemporary, or Asian, means that you can find the one best suited to your tastes. Your tastes dictate the type you buy so while there may not be a prefabricated fountain to satisfy you, you do have the option of having a customized one.The two types of water features available to you are mounted and freestanding models. Small, self-contained versions can be hung on a wall are known as mounted wall fountains. Fountains of this kind need to be light, therefore, they are typically made of resin (resembling stone) or fiberglass. Floor fountains are freestanding, big, and also have a basin on the floor as well as a flat side against the wall. Generally composed of cast stone, this type of water feature is not limited in weight.
Many experienced landscapers favor custom-built fountains which can be incorporated into a brand-new wall or an existing one. The basin and all the required plumbing are best installed by a qualified mason. It is also necessary to include a spout or fountain mask to build it into the wall. The cohesive look provided by custom-made wall fountains make them appear to be part of the scenery rather than an afterthought.