The Father Of Roman Water Fountain Design

There are many celebrated water fountains in Rome’s city center. One of the most distinguished sculptors and artists of the 17th century, virtually all of them were designed, conceptualized and built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Also a city architect, he had abilities as a fountain developer, and records of his life's work are obvious throughout the streets of Rome. Bernini's father, a renowned Florentine sculptor, mentored his young son, and they ultimately moved to Rome, in order to fully express their art, primarily in the form of public water fountains and water features. An diligent worker, the young Bernini acquired praise and the backing of many popes and influential artists. At the start he was recognized for other his sculptural abilities. An authority in historical Greek architecture, he used this knowledge as a starting point and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most remarkably in the Vatican. He was affected by many great artists, however, Michelangelo had the biggest impact on his work.