Archaic Greek Artwork: Garden Statuary
Archaic Greek Artwork: Garden Statuary The initial freestanding sculpture was designed by the Archaic Greeks, a notable accomplishment since until then the sole carvings in existence were reliefs cut into walls and columns. Kouros figures, sculptures of young, attractive male or female (kore) Greeks, made up the majority of the sculptures. The kouroi, viewed by the Greeks to portray beauty, had one foot extended out of a rigid forward-facing pose and the male figurines were regularly unclothed, with a powerful, strong shape. The kouroi started to be life-sized beginning in 650 BC. The Archaic period was tumultuous for the Greeks as they progressed into more refined forms of government and art, and obtained more data about the peoples and cultures outside of Greece. However, the Greek civilization was not slowed down by these battles.Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From?
Where did Large Outdoor Fountains Come From? The incredible architecture of a fountain allows it to provide clean water or shoot water high into air for dramatic effect and it can also serve as an excellent design feature to complete your home. From the onset, outdoor fountains were simply meant to serve as functional elements. Cities, towns and villages made use of nearby aqueducts or springs to supply them with potable water as well as water where they could bathe or wash. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water source, such as aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to take advantage of gravity which fed the fountains. Serving as an element of adornment and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. The main materials used by the Romans to build their fountains were bronze or stone masks, mostly depicting animals or heroes. To illustrate the gardens of paradise, Muslim and Moorish garden planners of the Middle Ages added fountains to their designs. The fountains found in the Gardens of Versailles were intended to show the power over nature held by King Louis XIV of France. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to exalt the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the spot where the restored Roman aqueducts entered 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. Gravity was replaced by mechanical pumps in order to enable fountains to bring in clean water and allow for beautiful water displays.
Beautifying city parks, honoring people or events and entertaining, are some of the functions of modern-day fountains.
The Various Construction Materials of Wall fountains
The Various Construction Materials of Wall fountains
Though they come in various materials, modern garden fountains tend to be made of metal. Metallic models offer clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can accommodate nearly any decorative style and budget. It is very important that your landscape design reflects the style of your residence. A popular choice today is copper, and it is used in the designing of many sculptural garden fountains. Copper is common for both inside and outside use and is commonly found in tabletop and cascade fountains, among others. Copper fountains also come in a huge array of designs - from fun and eccentric to modern and cutting-edge.
Brass water fountains are also common, though they tend to have a more classic look than copper ones. Even though they are a bit old-fashioned, brass fountains are quite widespread because they often incorporate interesting artwork.
The most modern metal right now is probably stainless steel. A modern steel design will quickly raise the value of your garden as well as the feeling of serenity. As with all fountains, you can get any size you choose.
For people who want the look of a metal fountain but want a lighter weight and more affordable option, fiberglass is the answer. Keeping a fiberglass water fountain clean and working correctly is quite effortless, another aspect consumers love.