Where did Large Garden Fountains Begin?
Where did Large Garden Fountains Begin? A fountain, an amazing piece of engineering, not only supplies drinking water as it pours into a basin, it can also launch water high into the air for an extraordinary effect.Pure practicality was the original purpose of fountains. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to provide them with drinking water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up to the late 19th century, water fountains had to be near an aqueduct or reservoir and higher than the fountain so that gravity could make the water move downwards or jet high into the air. Fountains were not only used as a water source for drinking water, but also to adorn homes and celebrate the designer who created it. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. During the Middle Ages, Muslim and Moorish garden designers included fountains in their designs to re-create the gardens of paradise. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were supposed to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. Seventeen and 18 century Popes sought to extol their positions by including beautiful baroque-style fountains at the point where restored Roman aqueducts arrived into the city.
Since indoor plumbing became the standard of the day for clean, drinking water, by the end of the 19th century urban fountains were no longer needed for this purpose and they became purely decorative. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by switching the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern-day fountains serve mostly as decoration for open spaces, to honor individuals or events, and enhance entertainment and recreational gatherings.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Public Fountains
Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Public Fountains There are numerous famous water fountains in Rome’s city center. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of the most brilliant sculptors and artists of the 17th century designed, conceptualized and constructed almost all of them. Also a city builder, he had capabilities as a water fountain developer, and remnants of his life's work are noticeable throughout the roads of Rome. Ultimately travelling to Rome to totally reveal their artwork, chiefly in the shape of public water fountains, Bernini’s father, a famed Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son. An excellent worker, the young Bernini acquired praise and patronage of various popes and influential designers.
At the beginning he was renowned for his sculptural abilities. He made use of his expertise and melded it gracefully with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. Although many artists impacted his artistic endeavors, Michelangelo influenced him the most.