A Brief History of the Early Outdoor Water Features
A Brief History of the Early Outdoor Water Features
As initially conceived, fountains were crafted to be practical, directing water from creeks or aqueducts to the residents of towns and villages, where the water could be used for cooking, washing, and drinking. In the years before electric power, the spray of fountains was powered by gravity alone, often using an aqueduct or water resource located far away in the surrounding hills. Commonly used as monuments and commemorative edifices, water fountains have inspired travelers from all over the planet all through the ages. The common fountains of today bear little similarity to the very first water fountains. A stone basin, crafted from rock, was the 1st fountain, used for holding water for drinking and ceremonial purposes. 2,000 BC is when the oldest identified stone fountain basins were used. The first fountains put to use in ancient civilizations relied on gravity to manipulate the movement of water through the fountain. Located near reservoirs or springs, the practical public water fountains supplied the local populace with fresh drinking water. The Romans began constructing ornate fountains in 6 BC, most of which were bronze or stone masks of wildlife and mythological characters. A well-engineered collection of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.
Outdoor Garden Fountain Engineers Through History
Outdoor Garden Fountain Engineers Through History Often working as architects, sculptors, artists, engineers and cultivated scholars all in one, from the 16th to the later part of the 18th century, fountain designers were multi-talented individuals, Exemplifying the Renaissance skilled artist as a inspiring genius, Leonardo da Vinci worked as an inventor and scientific guru. He systematically noted his findings in his currently recognized notebooks, after his tremendous fascination in the forces of nature inspired him to examine the characteristics and movement of water. Modifying private villa configurations into amazing water showcases full of symbolic interpretation and natural beauty, early Italian water fountain designers coupled creativity with hydraulic and horticultural abilities. The humanist Pirro Ligorio, celebrated for his virtuosity in archeology, architecture and garden design, offered the vision behind the wonders in Tivoli. Masterminding the phenomenal water marbles, water features and water pranks for the various mansions near Florence, some other fountain designers were well versed in humanistic issues as well as ancient technical texts.
Gian Bernini's Garden Fountains
Gian Bernini's Garden Fountains In Rome’s city center, there are countless famous water features. One of the most distinguished sculptors and artists of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed, created and constructed almost all of them.
His skills as a water fountain designer and also as a city architect, are visible all through the streets of Rome. Bernini's father, a celebrated Florentine sculptor, guided his young son, and they eventually moved in Rome, to fully show their art in the form of public water features and water fountains. An outstanding workman, Bernin received praise and the the backing of popes and important painters. At first he was well known for his sculpting skills. Working seamlessly with Roman marble, he made use of a base of experience in the classic Greek architecture, most notably in the Vatican. Though he was influenced by many, Michelangelo had the most serious impact on him, both personally and professionally.
Modern Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decoration: Garden Fountains and their Beginnings
A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes. From the beginning, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. Inhabitants 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 linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their origin of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from gravity. Designers thought of fountains as amazing additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the designer responsible for building it. Animals or heroes made of bronze or stone masks were often times utilized by Romans to beautify their fountains. To depict the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages introduced fountains to their designs. To demonstrate his dominance over nature, French King Louis XIV included fountains in the Garden of Versailles. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by adding decorative baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Urban fountains built at the end of the nineteenth served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the essential drinking water. The introduction of unique water effects and the recycling of water were two things made possible by swapping gravity with mechanical pumps.
Beautifying city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the uses of modern-day fountains.