Fountains and Water Features from the Middle ages to the Early Renaissance

Because pagan subjects such as the Boy with a Dolphin were now acceptable in art

, humanist patrons who wished to keep up appearances of Christian belief could do so even while decorating their gardens with pagan images. The book Hypnerotomachia Poliphili by a Venetian monk, Francesco Colonna, was published in 1499. It follows the steps of the hero, Poliphilo, in a dream sequence that begins by a stream and continues through the magnificent gardens of an imaginary world. Twelve fountains are described in detail, each acting as a stage setting for the unfolding story. Giochi d'acqua (Water Games) and table fountains are described but there is little technological detail. The timely rediscovery of grotesque decoration (so called because it was found in grottoes) in the Domus Aurea (Golden House of Nero) in Rome in the 1480s offered artists the opportunity to reflect this style in their work. This can be seen in the woodcut illustrations in Hypnerotomachia Poliphili. Fountains and water features in private residences were a celebration of a person or family's wealth and prosperity. In urban areas they combined religious and civic themes, which summarized the town's revival and were seen as a crowing achievement for all to enjoy.

Fountains and Water Features from the Middle ages to the Early Renaissance

By: James Ross

POST COMMENT

How to plot historical stock price movement? When And Where to Visit Belgium The Great Manual On Zaanse Schans Living And Trouble-free To Understand Hint On Finding Inns Choose Have Greatest And Utmost Rewarding Time Of Your Darling's Life, Take Visit To The Bahamas Waterjet Cutting And Its Ways Of Cutting Materials Chinese Stock Research: Paving Way towards an Informed Investment Great Guidelines To Have Fun At Cozumel Holidays For Saving Funds And Even Having Excellent Time Wit Text And Talk - Share More Seeing Those Caribbean Coasts One-of-a-kind Spectacles And First Rate Staying Options Through Domini Urine A Serious Problem In Bars And Clubs Important Questions to Gain Perspective and Stop Wasting Time Want The Perfect And Most Breathtaking Time Of Your Husband's Being, Want Caribbean - Bahamas What Is Dj And How Meny Types Of Dj?