Greece: Cultural Statuary
Greece: Cultural Statuary Traditionally, most sculptors were paid by the temples to embellish the elaborate columns and archways with renderings of the gods, but as the era came to a close it became more common for sculptors to present ordinary people as well simply because many Greeks had begun to think of their religion as superstitious rather than sacred. In some cases, a representation of wealthy families' ancestors would be commissioned to be placed inside of huge familial burial tombs, and portraiture, which would be replicated by the Romans upon their conquest of Greek civilization, also became commonplace. A time of aesthetic development, the use of sculpture and other art forms transformed throughout the Greek Classical period, so it is inaccurate to suggest that the arts served only one function. Greek sculpture is probably fascinating to us all at present because it was an avant-garde experiment in the historic world, so it does not make a difference whether or not its original function was religious zeal or artistic pleasure.The Godfather Of Rome's Water Fountains
The Godfather Of Rome's Water Fountains There are lots of celebrated Roman water fountains in its city center. One of the most distinguished sculptors and artists of the 17th century, nearly all of them were planned, conceptualized and constructed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Also a city designer, he had skills as a fountain developer, and remnants of his life's work are evident throughout the roads of Rome. Ultimately moving to Rome to totally reveal their art, primarily in the form of community water features, Bernini’s father, a famed Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son. An diligent worker, the young Bernini acquired compliments and patronage of various popes and influential artists.
Historic Crete & The Minoans: Fountains
Historic Crete & The Minoans: Fountains Archaeological digs in Minoan Crete in Greece have revealed some kinds of channels. They not only helped with the water supply, they extracted rainwater and wastewater as well. The chief components employed were stone or clay. Terracotta was selected for waterways and water pipes, both rectangular and round.
Modern Garden Decor: Garden Fountains and their Roots

From the beginning, outdoor fountains were soley there to serve as functional elements. Residents of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be linked to nearby aqueduct or spring. 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 supply of water such as a reservoir or aqueduct located higher than the fountain. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to decorate homes and celebrate the designer who created it. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. King Louis XIV of France wanted to illustrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Popes of the 17th and 18th centuries were glorified with baroque style fountains made to mark the arrival points of Roman aqueducts.
Urban fountains made at the end of the nineteenth served only as decorative and celebratory ornaments since indoor plumbing provided the necessary drinking water. Fountains using mechanical pumps instead of gravity enabled fountains to bring recycled water into living spaces as well as create special water effects.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and compliment entertainment and recreational events.