Water Follies
In the sixteenth century, Europe had a renewed interest in Greek thought and philosophy lincluding the works of Hero of Alexandria about hydraulics and pneumatics. His devices, such as temple doors operated by invisible weights or flowing liquids, and mechanical singing birds powered by steam, motivated several European palaces to create similar clever devices to enhance their public image.
In Italy several royal houses constructed large water gardens incorporating mechanical devices in water settings. The best-known is the Villa d'Este at Tivoli, constructed in 1550 AD. A hill cascaded with many fountains and grottoes, some with water-driven figures that moved or spouted water. Popularity spread across Europe with the well known water garden at Hellbrunn Palace built, with many water-powered human and animal performing figures and puppet theaters, and folly fountains that erupted without notice to surprise one.
Read more about this topic: Water Garden
Famous quotes containing the words water and/or follies:
“A slight relax of air where cold was
And water trickles ...”
—Philip Larkin (1922–1986)
“It is in our faults and failings, not in our virtues, that we touch each other, and find sympathy.... It is in our follies that we are one.”
—Jerome K. Jerome (1859–1927)