The Nymphaeum General Thread

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One of the areas of water interest in the gardens.

THE NYMPHAEUM In The Gardens Of Kallistos Here Prince Kallistos has caused to be built a nymphaeum in the gardens for the enjoyment of all Romans. A standard type of structure in ancient Greco-Roman civilization, the nymphaeum began as a simple enclosure to protect a natural spring, but evolved in Roman times to become an elaborate pastiche of fountains pools and waterfalls which advertised wealth and luxury in public plazas as well as private gardens. The name is an allusion to the mythical water nymph and may well be a slightly risqué joke as the spring house was one of the few places in Ancient Greece where women of good reputation could be seen in public. The prince has used a new type of stone work which he calls opus rusticus. The stones are cut in various rectangular sizes with a distinct frame to each enclosing a rough cut surface. Although the effect is rough and rustic, it is carefully controlled by the perfect frame and has an all over polish. The small fountain at the top of the structure depicts four nymphs in bronze supporting a bowl. It is a quiet fountain with water merely overflowing the container gently. It is meant to announce the theme of the building while not conflicting with the larger than life sculptures in the structure below it.         The larger than life sculptural grouping Within the rough stone grotto is of off white Parian marble with some variation of tones within the stone which add warmth to the scene of Apollo being bathed by nymphs in the service of Thetis. Although the depiction of Apollo and the nymphs of Thetis is of Greek origin, the colossal treatment and elaborate composition are purely Roman. Thus the prince points out the roots of Greco Roman culture. You may find further reading about nymphaeums including images of many surviving examples at Wikipedia's page on the nymphaeum HERE and an illustrated description of an existing nymphaeum on The Esquiline in A Topographical Dictionary Of Ancient Rome. HERE

Created by:

* Kallistos Alexandros, Feb 12, 2008 - 18:05

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Hyacinths among the water nymphs? (* DIonysia Xanthippos, Mar 17, 2008 - 17:28 )
Thank you, Prince K (* Lorelei Aristophanes, Mar 17, 2008 - 16:20 )
Very pretty (* WinterMist Manach, Feb 13, 2008 - 12:22 )
Prince Kallistos, how lovely (* Aria Murasaka, Feb 13, 2008 - 12:15 )


4 Posts Viewing 4 - 1