2020 Essays

Fontana di Rosello, Sassari

Pfisterer, Ulrich

Water—more precisely, fresh water—is a central element for the entire Mediterranean region. In ancient and early modern times, water was not only viewed in relationship to its use for drinking and other purposes; its abundance, its power and control, its natural philosophical and political meanings were all demonstratively exhibited. Aqueducts and fountains are the best known 'framings' of water. To give just one example of the importance of these artificial framings, in antiquity and afterwards, the coastal strip of the Gulf of Naples and Baiae were famous for their baths and water facilities. Anyone who leafed through Pompeo Sarnelli’s illustrated guide to Naples, first published in 1685, was shown a series of the city’s fountains. These were the fourth of Sarnelli’s nearly 50 views, appearing immediately after the triumphal arch of the Castel Nuovo and royal palace.