The Public Water Fountains
The Public Water Fountains As initially developed, fountains were designed to be practical, directing water from creeks or aqueducts to the inhabitants of towns and villages, where the water could be used for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. The force of gravity was the power source of water fountains up until the close of the nineteenth century, using the potent power of water traveling downhill from a spring or creek to push the water through spigots or other outlets. The elegance and wonder of fountains make them perfect for traditional monuments. If you saw the earliest fountains, you would not identify them as fountains. A natural stone basin, carved from rock, was the very first fountain, utilized for containing water for drinking and ceremonial purposes. The oldest stone basins are suspected to be from around 2000 B.C.. The jet of water emerging from small spouts was pressured by gravity, the lone power source creators had in those days. Situated near reservoirs or creeks, the functional public water fountains supplied the local population with fresh drinking water. The people of Rome began building decorative fountains in 6 B.C., most of which were metallic or natural stone masks of wildlife and mythological representations.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Fountains
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Fountains There are many renowned Roman water fountains in its city center. One of the most distinguished sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed, created and constructed almost all of them. Also a city designer, he had skills as a water fountain designer, and marks of his life's work are obvious throughout the roads of Rome. A celebrated Florentine sculptor, Bernini's father mentored his young son, and they ultimately moved to Rome to thoroughly exhibit their artwork, primarily in the form of community water features and water features. An exemplary workman, Bernin received compliments and the the backing of popes and well known artists. His sculpture was initially his claim to celebrity. Working gracefully with Roman marble, he used a base of expertise in the historical Greek architecture, most notably in the Vatican.