"Primitive" Greek Art: Large Statuary
"Primitive" Greek Art: Large Statuary The initial freestanding statuary was developed by the Archaic Greeks, a recognized accomplishment since until then the only carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and pillars. Most of these freestanding sculptures were what is known as kouros figures, statues of young, attractive male or female (kore) Greeks. Representing beauty to the Greeks, the kouroi were made to look rigid and typically had foot forward; the males were vigorous, strong, and nude. The kouroi became life-sized commencing in 650 BC. The Archaic period was an amazing point of transformation for the Greeks as they expanded into new modes of government, created unique expressions of art, and attained information of the men and women and cultures outside of Greece. Conflicts like The Arcadian wars, the Spartan invasion of Samos, and other wars between city-states are indicative of the tumultuous nature of the time period, which was similar to other periods of historical upset. However, these conflicts did not significantly hinder the advancement of the Greek civilization.The Many Construction Materials of Outdoor Garden Fountains
The Many Construction Materials of Outdoor Garden Fountains Garden fountains nowadays are commonly made from metal, although you can find them in other materials too. Metallic models offer clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can accommodate nearly any decorative style and budget. Your outdoor design should complement the style of your home.At present, copper is extremely prevalent for sculptural garden fountains. Copper fountains are the best choice because they are perfect for the inside and outside. Copper is also flexible enough that you can select a range of styles for your fountain, from contemporary to whimsical.
Brass water fountains are also common, though they tend to have a more traditional look than copper ones. Though not the most stylish, the creatures and sculptural features you find on fountains are commonly made of brass, thus making them very popular.
Most folks today see stainless steel as the most modern option. Adding a modern-looking steel design will immediately add value to your garden and elevate the overall atmosphere. As with most fountains, they are available in numerous sizes.
Fiberglass is a popular material for fountains because you can get the look and feel of metal at a much lower price, and it is lighter weight and easier to move than metal. The cleaning of fiberglass water fountains is quite simple, so they have many merits that people appreciate.
The Origins Of Wall Fountains
The Origins Of Wall Fountains The dramatic or ornamental effect of a fountain is just one of the purposes it fulfills, in addition to delivering drinking water and adding a decorative touch to your property.
Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. 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. 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 optimal source of water, and also served to decorate living areas and celebrate the designer. The main components used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly illustrating animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden planners included fountains to create smaller variations of the gardens of paradise. Fountains played 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 built to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby limiting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
These days, fountains decorate public spaces and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Bernini’s Very First Italian Water Fountains
Bernini’s Very First Italian Water Fountains Bernini's earliest fountain, named Barcaccia, is a masterful work of art seen at the foot of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. To this day, you will find Roman locals and vacation goers filling this spot to revel in chit chatter and being among other people. Bernini would undoubtedly have been happy to know that people still flock to what has become one the city's most fashionable areas, that around his amazing water fountain.
In around 1630, Pope Urbano VIII helped Bernini launch his career with the construction of his first fountain. A massive ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean is the fountain's main theme. Period writings dating back to the 16th century indicate that the fountain was built as a monument to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. In 1665, France was graced by Bernini's one-and-only prolonged journey outside of Italy.