|
Article Directory
|
+ Authors
+ Articles
|
|
|
|
The Public Fountains of Italy
Copyright (c) 2007-2012 Elizabeth Jean
The Marvels of Ancient Rome
To really understand the significance of public fountains to Italians, you have to look back to ancient Roman times. The Romans were great engineers and artisans, and the network of eleven aqueducts they created to supply the people of Rome and other major cities with water was probably unparalleled anywhere in the world at that time.
The remains of the aqueducts that ran through the Campagna region of Italy can still be seen today, and are a fascinating reminder of the levels of scientific and engineering achievement reached by the Romans. Not only did they supply all the fountains and baths houses of Rome with fresh water, but it was drinkable and its flow was regulated through the use of man-made underground reservoirs to ensure a consistent and reliable supply, even in hot weather.
The public fountains of the ancient Romans tended to be relatively simple in ornamentation, with smaller fountains often taking the form of stylized animal or human heads built into a wall, from the mouth of which came a stream of water. Larger fountains provided several streams that flowed into a large basin, allowing access to water for both humans and animals. Regardless of their size, the fountains were built in the squares and at the major crossroads of the communities they served, and the ruins of Pompeii illustrate how these public fountains would have served as a central meeting place for the community - women talking and gathering water for cooking and washing, men and animals quenching their dusty thirsts on hot summer days, and children playing in the water. Fountains for your own home and backyard can be found at http://www.garden-fountains.com.
The Dawn of the Renaissance
The Renaissance movement heralded the arrival of a new, more ornate and decorative style of architecture in Rome, and the major public fountains of Rome and Italy began to change.Some of the most noteworthy fountains in the world were designed and built between 1200 and 1650, and many of them are still functioning in Rome today. We've taken a closer look at a cross-section of Roman public fountains that illustrate the true virtuosity and diversity of styles that can be seen on a walk around Rome.
Fountains of Rome
Triton Fountain
The Triton Fountain was the first fountain designed by the Italian sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a man who played a leading role in defining the Baroque style, and who was for many years the architect of St. Peter's Basilica, under the patronage of several Popes. Pope Urban VIII wished for a major new fountain to be constructed in the Piazza Barberini to commemorate the reopening of the Aqua Felice aqueduct. Bernini's design created an imposing focal point for the square that used the imagery of Triton, god of the sea, to represent the power and vitality accorded to Roman civilization by a reliable supply of running water. The Triton Fountain features a sculpted marble model of Triton, half-man half-fish, sitting atop an open shell, holding a large conch shell to his mouth, from which water flows into the large basin that forms the base of the statue.
Four Rivers Fountain
The other fountain for which Bernini is particularly noted is the Four Rivers Fountain, in the Piazza Navona. The death of Pope Urban VIII had left Bernini temporarily without a sponsor, his replacement, Pope Innocent X not favoring Bernini in the same way.A number of prominent sculptors and artists of the day were invited to submit a design for the new fountain in the Piazza Navona, but Bernini was excluded. However, he was persuaded to create a design by a friend, who contrived that it should come to Innocent's attention.Upon seeing it he is reputed to have declared that it was a trick to view Bernini's work, because once seen it was impossible for him not to commission the fountain. The Four Rivers fountain is based around a representation of the four continents of the world (as were known at the time) - the River Nile (Africa), the Danube (Europe), the Ganges (Asia) and the River Platt (Americas). Each River was represented by a river god and is seated around a cleverly designed mound of marble rocks, from which many streams of water issue, and on top of which is supported a magnificent Egyptian Obelisk.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most imposing public fountains in Rome. The concept was originally designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, but on his patron Pope Urban VIII's death, the plans were shelved for some years. They were later resurrected, and nearly a century later Nicola Salvi completed the designs for this fountain and oversaw its inception. Large and imposing, the Trevi Fountain marks the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct and is over 25m wide and 19m high. The tableau of the fountain depicts Tritons guiding sea horses through the tumultuous oean. On either side of the fountain, in alcoves, are the figures of the goddesses of Health and Abundance. It is said that upon throwing a coin over their shoulder into the fountain, visitors can be assured of a return to Rome, the "Eternal City" at some point in their lives.
Follow "The Phantom Writers" on Twitter
(@phantomwriters)
to be notified when new articles are made available.
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Nature and Pets Articles || Related Categories: Home and Garden Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Elizabeth Jean
Use of Garden Ponds
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-10 |
Word Count: 932 |
Page Views: 1482
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.00
Garden ponds can improve on that experience by adding a new
dimension to any outdoor space - from bath tub-sized to a small
lake, the benefits of a garden pond are potentially available to
anyone with a little outdoor space.
Use of Bird Baths in the Garden - Why Install a Bird Bath?
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-09 |
Word Count: 964 |
Page Views: 1662
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 2.00
Many people enjoy the sight and sound of birds in the garden -
the color, movement, and song they provide adds life to a garden
and can be very restful, evoking a peaceful, rural atmosphere.
The Types of Fountains Found in Florence, Italy
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-09 |
Word Count: 833 |
Page Views: 4308
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.09
There were two broad classes of Tuscan water fountains known in
the 1500's: the freestanding or "isolated" type, designed for
the center of a piazza, court, or garden; and the "engaged" or
wall fountain, placed against a wall at the end of a square or
courtyard.
The Fountains of Kansas City
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-06 |
Word Count: 929 |
Page Views: 1584
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.25
Kansas City is thought to have more fountains than any city in
the world except Rome, arguably the birthplace of the city
fountain. At the last count, it was thought that there were over
two hundred public fountains in Kansas City, with many more
private fountains.
The Fountains of Chatsworth House, England
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-05 |
Word Count: 839 |
Page Views: 2301
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.13
Chatsworth House is located in the heart of the Peak District
National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty in the
center of England. The house is the home of the Duke and Duchess
of Devonshire, and the 1000 acre estate includes a working farm
and more than 100 acres of landscaped gardens.
The Basics of Water Fountains
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-05 |
Word Count: 893 |
Page Views: 2763
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.00
A fountain is a man-made installation, in which water issues from
a source before falling or cascading into a basin, bowl or
receptacle of some kind.
Florentine Water Features
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-03 |
Word Count: 689 |
Page Views: 1430
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 1.20
In 15th Century Florence, well-heads that bubbled water, lavabos
(wash basins), and holy water basins far outnumbered true water
fountains in the city. There were some good reasons for this.
Florentine Fountains: Sculpture, Not Water
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-03 |
Word Count: 632 |
Page Views: 1801
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 2.56
While Roman fountains seem designed primarily for the display of
water, the Florentine fountains exist for the display of
sculpture. Certainly their outstanding characteristic in the
Cinquecento is the tendency of the figure sculpture to dominate
the structural portions of basins and shaft...
Father of Fountain Design: Gian Bernini
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-02 |
Word Count: 876 |
Page Views: 5991
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 2.38
For centuries, visitors to Rome have admired the architecture and
art of this great European city. Its famous outdoor water
fountains, piazzas, churches and cathedrals draw many thousands
of visitors each year, as do its countless art galleries. No less
an attraction is Vatican City, in the heart of Rome, and its
principal building, the Basilica of St. Peter.
Famous Waterfalls of the World
Written by: Elizabeth Jean |
Distributed: 2007-04-02 |
Word Count: 939 |
Page Views: 12895
| Votes: 41 |
Rating: 1.98
About 70% of the Earth's surface is permanently covered in
water. Water shapes our coastlines and carves channels through
countries and landscapes. Inevitably, water sometimes runs across
a sudden drop in the level of the land, and a waterfall is born.
All of Author's Articles on this site: Elizabeth Jean Articles
Most Recent "Nature And Pets" Articles
How Safe Is Your Pet's Flea and Tick Killer?
Written by: Gary Le Mon |
Distributed: 2011-07-20 |
Word Count: 714 |
Page Views: 216
How did your favorite flea and tick control product do in
EPA laboratory testing for new product registration? All
seven popular treatments I uncovered revealed shocking
adverse health effects on dogs and cats.
The Importance of Good Cat Health
Written by: Riley Santoso |
Distributed: 2009-09-01 |
Word Count: 476 |
Page Views: 777
| Votes: 1 |
Rating: 3.00
Anyone that has ever owned a cat for any extended period of
time realizes the importance of being actively involved in
promoting good feline health. Even newcomers learn quickly
that there is a great deal of information to learn when it
comes to taking care of a cat. There are a number of ways in
which you can be prepared to take good care of your cat to
try to avoid any problems down the road.
What Makes a Siamese Cat So Different?
Written by: Susan Miller |
Distributed: 2008-10-09 |
Word Count: 1082 |
Page Views: 2973
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.50
The traditional Siamese cat or Apple Head as sometimes recognized
is one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats. It still looks to
this day as the breed originally would have looked when it was
first imported from Siam. The breed is still a lovely muscular
athletic looking cat with a beautiful round head and striking
blue eyes.
Origin and Evolution of Arcon Method for Search and Rescue Dogs
Written by: Jaime Parejo Garcia |
Distributed: 2008-09-26 |
Word Count: 1845 |
Page Views: 1189
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.38
In this article we will discuss the origin and evolution of arcon
method for search and rescue dogs.
Phases in the Training Process Arcon Method
Written by: Jaime Parejo Garcia |
Distributed: 2008-09-24 |
Word Count: 3215 |
Page Views: 1049
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 3.08
In this article we will discuss the phases in the training
process arcon method.
Arcon Method Techniques
Written by: Jaime Parejo Garcia |
Distributed: 2008-09-18 |
Word Count: 1546 |
Page Views: 1018
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.55
The Arcon Techniques are strictly faithful to the rational
demands of the conventional scientific technique and have been
repeatedly subject to the corresponding process of
experimentation and verification.
Introduction to the Arcon Method
Written by: Jaime Parejo Garcia |
Distributed: 2008-09-16 |
Word Count: 2372 |
Page Views: 1040
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.00
Method Canine Catastrophe Rescue consists of using dogs to find
people that have been accidentally buried for whatever reason
(explosions, earthquakes, structural flaws, hurricanes,
tornadoes, avalanches, landslides, etc.).
Birds Go Nuts for Peanut Butter
Written by: Andy Perrin |
Distributed: 2008-06-26 |
Word Count: 329 |
Page Views: 1202
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.83
Part of the attraction at Leeds Castle is the Aviary. The Hon.
Olive, Lady Baillie had a passion for birds and started to
introduce her collection of exotic birds back in 1957. In 1988
the present aviary with its 48 irregularly shaped hexagon flights
was opened and they have had many notable successes breeding rare
birds. The Aviary is run by Laura Gardner (Curator of Birds) and
her team.
The Glory Of Hilary Duff...Morning Glory, That Is!
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-05-07 |
Word Count: 422 |
Page Views: 1579
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.00
Hilary Duff, born September 28, 1987, with her acting talent,
beautiful face, lovely voice, and trendy sense of style is indeed
a young lady with a glorious career still ahead of her. Could all
of Ms. Duff's glorious talents be attributed to the fact that she
was born in the month of the morning glory?
Sending Birthday Flowers To Pamela Anderson
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-04-16 |
Word Count: 499 |
Page Views: 1565
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.45
Each month of the year has a birth flower associated with it.
Some even have several different types of flowers. New parents
often look up the flower associated with their newborn and may
even record the flower next to the birthstone in the child's
baby book.
Most Viewed "Nature And Pets" Articles
Blue Pearls of the New Zealand Paua
Written by: Yvonne Mal |
Distributed: 2007-01-10 |
Word Count: 424 |
Page Views: 3691
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.50
The Blackfoot Paua (Abalone: haliotis iris), one of eight mollusk
variety found around the Pacific Rim, is indigenous to New
Zealand coastal waters. Read on to learn more about pearls.
Canna Lily Sales Face a Chaotic Future
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2006-09-14 |
Word Count: 970 |
Page Views: 3388
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 1.67
Many agricultural plants that are reproduced by vegetative
division face a mysterious problem that results in a decline in
the clone vigor, and most farmers and nurserymen claim that the
plant crop has "run out." A number of factors adversely
affect the plant clone to the point that it becomes unproductive
and uneconomical to continue growing.
Race To The Perfect Gift With Nascar Themed Flowers
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2007-12-31 |
Word Count: 414 |
Page Views: 3356
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 3.33
You need to send a really outstanding gift to someone special in
your life. You rack your brain and try to come up with something
that will say what you're feeling, strike a personal chord, and
be a fun gift that the recipient will really enjoy. Your special
someone's passion is Nascar racing, but a shirt, hat, or other
memorabilia alone seems so overdone. What can you do? Try
presenting that Nascar gift with a new and exciting twist-send
it with flowers.
Cold Hardy Palm Trees for Northern Garden Planting
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2006-10-05 |
Word Count: 1255 |
Page Views: 3259
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.83
Information about one of the very few palm trees that will grow
in northern states, including New York!
History of the Cherry Tree
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2006-08-24 |
Word Count: 1210 |
Page Views: 3254
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.80
A history of fruiting and flowering cherry trees.
History Of Blueberry Plants
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2007-01-08 |
Word Count: 1120 |
Page Views: 3127
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 3.08
Very few historical records exist on ancient blueberry culture in
the Greek and Roman empires. Those cultures did use parts of the
blueberry plants and fruit to eat or to treat ailments.
What Makes a Siamese Cat So Different?
Written by: Susan Miller |
Distributed: 2008-10-09 |
Word Count: 1082 |
Page Views: 2973
| Votes: 14 |
Rating: 2.50
The traditional Siamese cat or Apple Head as sometimes recognized
is one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats. It still looks to
this day as the breed originally would have looked when it was
first imported from Siam. The breed is still a lovely muscular
athletic looking cat with a beautiful round head and striking
blue eyes.
History Of Plum Trees And Their Hybrids
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2006-12-08 |
Word Count: 1478 |
Page Views: 2874
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 2.33
The documentation of ancient plums growing in antiquity is
sparse. The best evidence of that oldest existence is best
documented through America's most famous pomologist, Luther
Burbank, who reported in his twelve volume botanical literary
classic, Small Fruits, Volume IV page 136, that the European
plum, Prunus domestica, and its ancestor fruit originated in the
Caucasus Mountains near the Caspian Sea.
The Rose: Christina Aguilera's Favorite Flower?
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-01-17 |
Word Count: 497 |
Page Views: 2717
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 2.18
The rose has long been a favorite flower of many women, but is it
the favorite flower of Christina Aguilera? The truth is, I
don't know, but judging by the elaborate floral chuppah of
brightly colored orange, yellow, and burgundy roses
conspicuously present at her wedding and the thick bouquets of
hot pink roses and rose petals surrounding her wedding cake,
it's a sure bet the rose ranks high on Aguilera's list of
favorite flowers.
Ancient Explorers Discovered Unique Native Nut Trees Growing In America
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2006-10-19 |
Word Count: 1404 |
Page Views: 2493
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 2.63
History of American nut trees.
Highest Ranked "Nature And Pets" Articles
Discover a High In the Sky Holiday
Written by: Travel Alberta |
Distributed: 2006-12-16 |
Word Count: 751 |
Page Views: 1227
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.88
The first time I saw the Northern Lights, I was leaning over the
steering wheel of a dusky purple 1977 Chevy Nova on a northern
highway near midnight, trying to roll down the driver's side
window to get a better fix on it during my holiday, even as my
passenger was shouting to be heard over the ghostly radio voices
fading in and out. Within seconds it multiplied and changed
colors, soaring over us like an exploding rainbow. Nature's
primal postcard, my holiday highlight delivered free.
Making the Big Decision - Euthanasia
Written by: Gary Kurz |
Distributed: 2006-11-24 |
Word Count: 1358 |
Page Views: 1367
| Votes: 9 |
Rating: 3.67
Help for those feeling guilty about putting a pet to sleep.
Arcon Method Techniques
Written by: Jaime Parejo Garcia |
Distributed: 2008-09-18 |
Word Count: 1546 |
Page Views: 1018
| Votes: 11 |
Rating: 3.55
The Arcon Techniques are strictly faithful to the rational
demands of the conventional scientific technique and have been
repeatedly subject to the corresponding process of
experimentation and verification.
Origin and Evolution of Arcon Method for Search and Rescue Dogs
Written by: Jaime Parejo Garcia |
Distributed: 2008-09-26 |
Word Count: 1845 |
Page Views: 1189
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 3.38
In this article we will discuss the origin and evolution of arcon
method for search and rescue dogs.
Arabian Horses Are Widely Popular for Good Reason
Written by: Robb Fowler |
Distributed: 2008-02-21 |
Word Count: 710 |
Page Views: 1169
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.29
Arabian horses have quickly taken their place as one of the most
popular breeds in North America. The endurance and lung capacity
of the Arabian horses make them a popular option for those who
enjoy spending a day out on a long ride.
Cat Breeders: How to Use the Internet to Grow Your Breeder Business
Written by: CS Swarens |
Distributed: 2007-12-19 |
Word Count: 631 |
Page Views: 1010
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.17
The pet breeding industry is thriving today and it's one of the
fastest growing domestic markets. Each year, for the past five
years, the number of pet breeders has increased by at least 20
percent. This may seem like a positive development; however, this
market growth also means a rapid increase in competition.
History Of Blueberry Plants
Written by: Patrick Malcolm |
Distributed: 2007-01-08 |
Word Count: 1120 |
Page Views: 3127
| Votes: 13 |
Rating: 3.08
Very few historical records exist on ancient blueberry culture in
the Greek and Roman empires. Those cultures did use parts of the
blueberry plants and fruit to eat or to treat ailments.
Phases in the Training Process Arcon Method
Written by: Jaime Parejo Garcia |
Distributed: 2008-09-24 |
Word Count: 3215 |
Page Views: 1049
| Votes: 12 |
Rating: 3.08
In this article we will discuss the phases in the training
process arcon method.
The Glory Of Hilary Duff...Morning Glory, That Is!
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2008-05-07 |
Word Count: 422 |
Page Views: 1579
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 3.00
Hilary Duff, born September 28, 1987, with her acting talent,
beautiful face, lovely voice, and trendy sense of style is indeed
a young lady with a glorious career still ahead of her. Could all
of Ms. Duff's glorious talents be attributed to the fact that she
was born in the month of the morning glory?
Smith's Bear Story
Written by: Jane Baker |
Distributed: 2007-03-23 |
Word Count: 674 |
Page Views: 951
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.00
Some animal behaviourists that study bears declare that there is
no such thing as a bear that stalks humans. Others insist that
based on forensic evidence, there is indeed such an animal,
whether humans have inadvertently created it, the behaviour is
taught to her cubs by a sow, or it's simply born an opportunist.
To help you decide, this story describes a prime example of a
predator bear, the most dangerous of all.
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 869
Total Views: 2128
Views This Month: 25
Views Last Month: 68
Article Rating: 1.50 of 5
Votes Cast: 4
Author Overall Stats:
Times Viewed Overall: 45306
Author Rating: 2.21 of 5
Votes Cast Overall: 150
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Article Title Search:
Widow Search
Right Blinker
Google
Yahoo!
Zuula
Bing
Cuil
Last Distribution Date:
2007-04-06 11:12:00
|
|
|
Home
for Writers
for Publishers
Article Directory
Article Search
Contact
Get RSS Feed
