Modern Garden Decoration: Fountains and their Roots
Modern Garden Decoration: Fountains and their Roots A fountain, an amazing piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also propel water high into the air for a noteworthy effect.The primary purpose of a fountain was originally strictly practical. People in cities, towns and villages received their drinking water, as well as water to bathe and wash, via aqueducts or springs in the area. Used until the 19th century, in order for fountains to flow or shoot up into the air, their source of water such as reservoirs or aqueducts, had to be higher than the water fountain in order to benefit from the power of gravity.
Artists thought of fountains as wonderful additions to a living space, however, the fountains also served to supply clean water and honor the designer responsible for building it. Bronze or stone masks of animals and heroes were frequently seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller models of the gardens of paradise. Fountains enjoyed a significant role in the Gardens of Versailles, all part of French King Louis XIV’s desire to exert his power over nature. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to laud their positions by adding beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
The end of the 19th century saw the increase in usage of indoor plumbing to provide drinking water, so urban fountains were relegated to strictly decorative elements. Impressive water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Nowadays, fountains adorn public areas and are used to pay tribute to individuals or events and fill recreational and entertainment needs.
Bernini’s Early Italian Fountains
Bernini’s Early Italian Fountains Bernini's earliest water fountain, named Barcaccia, is a breath taking work of art found at the bottom of the Trinita dei Monti in Piaza di Spagna. This spot continues to be filled with Roman locals and tourists who like to exchanging gossip or going over the day's news.
The streets neighboring his water fountain have come to be one of the city’s most trendy gathering places, something which would certainly have pleased Bernini himself. In about 1630, the great artist designed the first fountain of his career at the behest of Pope Ubano VIII. A large ship slowly sinking into the Mediterranean is the fountain's central theme. Period writings dating back to the 16th century show that the fountain was built as a monument to those who lost their lives in the great flooding of the Tevere. In 1665 Bernini traveled to France, in what was to be his sole prolonged absence from Italy.
The Origins of Contemporary Outdoor Wall Fountains
The Origins of Contemporary Outdoor Wall Fountains Hundreds of classic Greek records were translated into Latin under the auspices of the scholarly Pope Nicholas V, who led the Roman Catholic Church from 1397 to 1455. He undertook the beautification of Rome to make it into the model seat of the Christian world.
In 1453 the Pope instigated the reconstruction of the Aqua Vergine, an historic Roman aqueduct which had carried fresh drinking water into the city from eight miles away. The ancient Roman custom of marking the entry point of an aqueduct with an magnificent celebratory fountain, also known as a mostra, was restored by Nicholas V. At the behest of the Pope, architect Leon Battista Alberti undertook the construction of a wall fountain in the place where we now find the Trevi Fountain. The water which eventually supplied the Trevi Fountain as well as the famed baroque fountains in the Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Navona flowed from the modified aqueduct which he had renovated.
The City Of Rome, Gian Bernini, And Fountains
The City Of Rome, Gian Bernini, And Fountains There are any number of renowned Roman water features in its city center. One of the most distinguished sculptors and designers of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini fashioned, conceived and built nearly all of them. Also a city architect, he had capabilities as a fountain designer, and records of his life's work are evident throughout the streets of Rome. Bernini's father, a celebrated Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they ultimately moved in Rome, to fully show their art in the form of community water fountains and water features. The young Bernini earned compliments from Popes and relevant artists alike, and was an excellent employee. His sculpture was initially his claim to popularity. Most famously in the Vatican, he made use of a base of knowledge in ancient Greek architecture and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble.
Though many artists had an impact on his work, Michelangelo had the most profound effect.