A Short History of the First Water Garden Fountains

A Short History of the First Water Garden Fountains Water fountains were initially practical in function, used to convey water from rivers or springs to towns and hamlets, supplying the inhabitants with clean water to drink, wash, and cook with. In the days before electricity, the spray of fountains was driven by gravity exclusively, usually using an aqueduct or water supply located far away in the surrounding hills. Inspiring and spectacular, big water fountains have been constructed as memorials in nearly all societies. Simple in design, the very first water fountains did not look much like contemporary fountains. The 1st recognized water fountain was a rock basin carved that served as a container for drinking water and ceremonial functions. 2,000 B.C. is when the oldest identified stone fountain basins were used. Gravity was the energy source that controlled the initial water fountains. The placement of the fountains was driven by the water source, which is why you’ll normally find them along reservoirs, canals, or streams. Wildlife, Gods, and spectral figures dominated the very early ornate Roman fountains, starting to appear in about 6 B.C.. The people of Rome had an elaborate system of aqueducts that supplied the water for the many fountains that were situated throughout the city.

The Godfather Of Roman Fountains

The Godfather Of Roman Fountains There are numerous celebrated water fountains in the city center of Rome. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the most brilliant sculptors and artists of the 17th century planned, created and built nearly all of them. Also a city builder, he had capabilities as a water fountain designer, and records of his life's work are obvious throughout the roads of Rome. To fully express their skill, mainly in the form of community water features and water fountains, Bernini's father, a celebrated Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they ultimately moved in Rome. The young Bernini was an exemplary worker and attained compliments and patronage of significant painters as well as popes. He was initially celebrated for his sculpture. An authority in ancient Greek engineering, he utilized this knowledge as a platform and melded it flawlessly with Roman marble, most remarkably in the Vatican. Godfather Roman Fountains 495443391.jpg

Though many artists had an influence on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.