The Trevi Fountain, Rome Italy, By Sharon Powell

The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s greatest works of art designed by the flamboyant Italian sculptor and architect Nicola Salvi. The Fountana di Trevi is the largest fountain throughout Rome. Standing eighty-five feet high and sixty-five feet wide, the fountain is superbly carved of pure marble. Encased within the niches are statues symbolizing “health and abundance for the people of Rome.” The fountains stylistic design began in 1732 and was completed 30 years later by Diovanni Paolo Panini in 1762. Panini compliments the emotional influence surrounding the mysterious world of mythological beliefs represented within Salvi’s design.

Mythological Beliefs
Galileo, inventor of the first telescope possessed a fascination with astronomy which may have been the direct correlation found within the sculptor's work. Pegasus, the winged horse born from Medusa upon her death appears in the night sky, and can be found within the constellation of stars. Neptune, God of the Sea is part of our solar system and is depicted within the Trevi fountain. The planet Neptune is believed to encompass “spiritual enlightenment exhibiting compassion and mercy for all. Fountain tradition claims, a coin tossed into the waters guarantees a visitor’s safe return to Rome.

Renaissance
The great sea God “Neptune” is shown towering over the two Tritons, while one struggles to tame the wild sea horse. The scene symbolizes the two contrasting moods of the sea. The renaissance period inspired artisans, architects, and craftsman from afar where selections of Rome’s greatest works of art can be seen within museums and galleries throughout the city. The selections are taken from the renaissance period along with those contained within the Vatican’s collection where The work of painter Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel resides. Europe is home to many of the worlds greatest artists in addition to the more contemporary film works of Vittorio Mussolini, who was half brother to statesman Binito Mussolini.

Masters of the Art
Archaeological masterpieces surrounded by magnificent sculptures and oil paintings can be found within the cities museums and galleries. Well-known baroque artists such as, Bernini, who was responsible for many archeological designs throughout Rome reveals a renowned style of showmanship graced with technical brilliance. The artist completed works on churches, statues, fountains and the infamous design of St. Peters square. Bernini had mastered the art of revealing true to life scenes through artistic perfection. One of his most memorable pieces was The Pathenon. A dome shaped Architectural structures located in the Pizza Della Rontonda symbolizes the beauty and harmony of Italy’s capital. Artists such as Bizzaccheri, Borromini, and Diovinni Panini, who was responsible for completions on the Trevi Fountain after Salvi's death shall be remembered by those valuing the artistic treasures revealed throughout Rome.

By the earlier part of the 18th century, the renaissance period had attracted artists from around the world, including writers and famous poets. The cultural awakening found within a time of romance and self-expression encompassed great works of art. Writers such as Keats, Shelley, Browning, and Charles Dickens traveled long distances to partake in the renaissance movement.

Etruscans, the first Inhabitants
Rome is located in the south of Europe, and surrounded by seawater. The peninsula was home to the first inhabitants known to the country. The Etruscans were believed to be a civilized culture and responsible for passing traditions onto the ancients. According to the Myths and civilization of the Ancient Roman’s, the Etruscan cultures provided the alphabet, gladiators, chariot races, and belief in the Gods of worship.

European cultures are the cornerstone revealing the humanistic realities of life. The beauty, romance, and architecture compliment the climatically renowned features discoverable when traveling Europe. Unforgettable memories depicting the lifestyles of histories fine art collections are shared throughout Europe, and will remain a significant part of cultural and artistic expression.

Resources:

 1.) Let’s go Rome, Student Travel Guide, Chertoff Emily, Monticello, Justin, Publishers Groups West, 2010.

2.) Rome, National Geographic Traveler, Gilbert, Sari, Brouse, Michael, national Geographic Society, 2009.

3.) Rome, Eyewitness Travel, Ercoli, Olivia, Belford, Ros, Mitchell, Roberta, Dorling Kindersley Publishing Group, 2010.

4.) http://www.ask.com

5.) http://www.pantehon.org/mythical/articles/n/neptune.html.

6.) http://www.britinnica.com.

7.) Ancient Romans, Myths and civilization of the, McRae Books, Peter Bedrick, Lincolnwood, IL. 1999.

8.) Jelius Caesar, and the Roman Republic, Cavendish, Marshall, Benchmark, New York, NY 2006.

9.) Favorite Greek Myths, Osborne, Mary P., Illustrations-Howell, Troy, Scholastic, Inc., New York, NY., 1989

10.) http://www.windows2universe.org/mythology/planets/planets.html