In the summer of 1997 the city of Prague, former seat of one of the greatest and most influential monarchs in history, Rudolf II, is hosting a spectacular three-month celebration of art, music, and science. Nearly four hundred years after Rudolf's death in 1612, the reign of this enlightened and eccentric Hapsburg ruler, and the kaleidoscope of talents he assembled at his court, continues to capture our interest. Now, for the first time in Prague's history, his glorious realm is on display for all the world to see. In venues throughout Prague every aspect of Rudolf's extraordinary court can be seen: painting, sculpture, engraving, scientific and astrological instruments, decorative arts, and alchemical tools. The artists of the city--its aristocracy, clergy, burghers, craftsmen, and Jewish community--all flourished during Rudolf's cosmopolitan reign, and for the first time ever their achievements are being shown. Prepared with the Prague Castle Administration, this official and comprehensive catalogue contains the most significant artistic achievements of both court and city--and some of the most rarely seen. There are twenty-seven essays covering a wide range of topics and written by a team of international experts, many of whom offer new perspectives based on recent discoveries.
Author(s): Eliška Fučíková (editor), James M. Bradburne (editor), Beket Bukovinská (editor), Jaroslava Hausenblasová (editor), Lumomír Konečný (editor), Ivan Muchka (editor), Michal Šroněk (editor)
Publisher: Prague Castle Administration, Thames and Hudson, Skira
Year: 1997
Language: English
Pages: 792
Tags: Prague, Czech history, Renaissance, Rudolf II
Title page
Contents
Prague Castle under Rudolf II, his predecessors and successors
In the name of God. Religious struggles in the Empire, 1555-1648
King Ferdinand I of Bohemia, Archduke Ferdinand II and the Praague Court, 1527-1567
Architectural styles in the reign of Rudolf II. Italian and Hispanic influences
Perspective on Prague. Rudolfine stylistics revived
Picturing the artist in Rudolfine Prague
Portraits of Emperor Rudolf II
Landscapes and city views of Prague
Roelandt Savery and the ʻdiscovery’ of the Alpine waterfall
Natural history illustration at the court of Rudolf II
Engraving at the court of Prague
Pictor doctus: Drawing and the theory of art around 1600
Thoughts on Rudolfine art in the ʻcourt workshops’ in Prague
The Kunstkammer of Rudolf II: Where it was and what it looked like
Cabinets, collecting and natural philosophy
The court of Rudolf II and humanist culture
Scientific and magical humanism at the court of Rudolf II
Natural philosophy and natural magic
From feuding brothers to a nation at war with itself
Prague between 1550 and 1650
The nobility in the Czech lands, 1550-1650
The public and private lives of Prague’s burghers
The Jewish town in Prague
The religious situation in Rudolfine Prague
Education in Rudolfine Prague
Book-printing and other forms of publishing in Prague, 1550-1650
Bookbinding: Style and ornament
Architecture in Prague, 1550-1650
Sculpture and painting in Prague, 1550-1650
The decorative arts
CATALOGUE
IMPERIAL COURT
Section I. Painting, sculpture, drawings and engravings
Section II. The Kunstkammer of Rudolf II
Section III. History, architecture and funeralia
Section IV. Science and music ’The merchants of light’
Science and instruments
RESIDENTIAL CITY
Section V. Prague – Residential city, 1550-1650
Public and private life in the city
