Technology of the Global Gothic

Course Headline: French Fountains Far Ahead: Technology of the Global Gothic

Course Instructor: Dr. Lily Filson

Unlock the Secrets of Medieval Water Wonders 🛁✨

Join us on a captivating journey back to the medieval era, where fountains were not just architectural marvels but also reflections of cultural exchange and technological innovation. In this course, Technology of the Global Gothic, we will explore the intricate interplay between Islamic artistry and European design that led to the creation of some of the most magnificent fountains across the globe. 🌍

Course Description:

By the 13th century, the continent of Europe had been introduced to the art of water engineering through contact with the sophisticated Islamic kingdoms dotting the Mediterranean and Near East. The Norman conquest of Sicily brought a wealth of water-related architectural expertise, which was subsequently integrated into the Norman way of life. This is evident in the opulent villas like La Zisa and Maredolce, whose fountains, pools, and waterways inspired designs that would later appear in northern France, such as in the park of Hesdin.

Key Takeaways:

• The Transmission of Knowledge: Learn how the expertise from the Islamic kingdoms shaped European water technologies.
• Cultural Mosaic: Discover the fusion of cultural elements in the design and function of medieval fountains.
• Visual Evolution: Analyze how the changing forms of fountains in illustrated manuscripts mirror their real-world counterparts' development.

From Illuminated Manuscripts to Global Water Systems 🖌️🌎

As we delve into the world of medieval illuminators, we'll observe that their depictions of fountains reflect their direct exposure to such water features. The table fountain shown in the Roman de la Rose and later editions of Marco Polo's travels exemplify this familiarity. It was a time when fountain technology became ubiquitous, influencing both literary narratives and historical accounts during the Middle Ages.

Course Highlights:

• Technological Diffusion: Understand how real fountains brought people together, altering landscapes from France to far-flung lands.
• Literary Influence: Learn how these water features influenced European literature and art.
• Historical Context: Examine the significance of fountains in the context of medieval society and their impact on daily life.

Join Us for a Dive into History 🤿📚

Whether you're an enthusiast of historical architecture, a scholar with a penchant for intercultural exchanges, or someone curious about how past technologies have shaped the modern world, this course will provide you with a unique perspective on the evolution of fountain technology and its role in shaping the Global Gothic.

Enroll now to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of medieval water engineering and witness the grandeur of French fountains that were far more than mere decorations—they were a vital thread in the fabric of global progress. 🕰️🏰

Sign up today to embark on an educational adventure with Dr. Lily Filson in "French Fountains Far Ahead: Technology of the Global Gothic." Your journey through history starts here! 🚀