Italy and Sicily - Architecture

"Ancient Stone Gargoyle Drinking Fountain - Rome" (16"X12", Oil on Canvas, $450)

Ancient fountains like this are a common sight in Rome, the seat of the empire. They still work and provide perfectly good drinking water through the ancient aqueducts that come down from the mountains. I don't think this one is from imperial times, but I'm sure this structure dates from the 1400's or so, and that it was built on the site of an actual imperial drinking fountain.They may not look too inviting, but I can assure you that the water is cold and fresh. You wouldn't look too good either if you were the victim of literally hundreds of years of water damage.

The emperors of Rome realized that if they were going to maintain order over the huge population of uneducated and poor people in the city, that they were going to have to provide some basic things. They provided free daily bread, free fresh water and free 'circuses'. That means free events in the arenas. The events of choice were chariot races, mock battles, and public execution of criminals and prisoners of war - usually by means of wild animals like lions, tigers and bears. The mock battles were also usually 'real', in that the participants were fighting to the death; to be released if they 'won' or executed anyway if they wouldn't fight or they lost.

In this painting, you see the purple/blue paving stones and the travertine insets. The main elements of the fountain are marble, including the imperial eagle, while the gargoyle and bowl are carved sandstone. This fountain was actually on the main road leading straight to the vatican. If you ever get to Rome, take a look for it on the left. I'm sure it's still there - and will be for the next hundred years.