Architect Ludwig Otto Friedrich Wilhelm II - Germany Castles
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
While living in Germany I became very interested in the life and works of King Ludwig II. He was architect to three very prosperous and well-known castles.
Architect Ludwig Otto Friedrich Wilhelm II of Bavaria
Ludwig is the son of Maria of Prussia and King Maximillian of Bavaria. He was born in the summer Palace of Nymphenburg in Munich, Germany on August 25th, 1845. In the architectural field he could be called "The King of Baroque."
The Swan King
He is sometimes called the Swan King. Many of his carriages are designed with swans. He spent much of his time as a youth in a castle called Hohenschwantau on Swan Lake. He named one of his creations Neuschwanstein which means “new swan on the rock.” It is apparent that he liked swans so the name is appropriate.
Nymphenburg summer palace
The awe inspiring Nymphenburg summer palace, where Ludwig II was born, was constructed from the years 1664 to 1826. The central pavilion took eleven years from 1664 to 1675 to complete. Six architects helped in the building of the of this massive complex that is called Nymphenburg Castle today.
A young Ludwig
Can you imagine him as a two-year-old running, his small shoes crinkling the rushes, as he followed his father or grandfather from room to room? Can’t you just hear him asking his mother, grandmother or nurse to tell him again the story of the frescos. This castle-palace is a beautiful place to fall in love with architecture and design.
There is much to be done in keeping this beautiful palace in repair. It is possible that, a small child, called Ludwig followed crafters from place to place watching and learning as they kept this awesome building in repair. Eventually all those experiences allowing him to realize that he loved building.
It could have been there in the concert hall, in the north wing, of Nymphenburg where he fell in love with theater and operas which would play such a big part in his architecture.
The awe inspiring Nymphenburg summer palace, where Ludwig II was born, was constructed from the years 1664 to 1826. The central pavilion took eleven years from 1664 to 1675 to complete. Six architects helped in the building of the of this massive complex that is called Nymphenburg Castle today.
A young Ludwig
Can you imagine him as a two-year-old running, his small shoes crinkling the rushes, as he followed his father or grandfather from room to room? Can’t you just hear him asking his mother, grandmother or nurse to tell him again the story of the frescos. This castle-palace is a beautiful place to fall in love with architecture and design.
There is much to be done in keeping this beautiful palace in repair. It is possible that, a small child, called Ludwig followed crafters from place to place watching and learning as they kept this awesome building in repair. Eventually all those experiences allowing him to realize that he loved building.
It could have been there in the concert hall, in the north wing, of Nymphenburg where he fell in love with theater and operas which would play such a big part in his architecture.
Linderhof Castle
In 1863 Ludwig II began building Linderhof Castle as his private retreat. This castle was completed just prior to his death in 1886 making it twenty-three years in the making. It is constructed in the second Rococo period architectural style. It has ten room and is the smallest of the castles build by Ludwig. It had four waiting rooms for servants, a kitchen, a dining room, with a table for one, mounted on a platform that was lowered into the kitchen like a dumbwaiter, a hall of mirrors, a tapestry chamber, an audience chamber and a bed chamber for his personal use. Linderhof was decorated in the royal French design.
King of Bavaria
March 10, 1864 Ludwig at the age of eighteen became the King of Bavaria. He also inherited his Father’s money. He did not like politics or the responsibilities that came with begin King. He hid from his duties by redesigning Linderhof Castle and began the process of building two more of the three castles if which he was the architect
In 1863 Ludwig II began building Linderhof Castle as his private retreat. This castle was completed just prior to his death in 1886 making it twenty-three years in the making. It is constructed in the second Rococo period architectural style. It has ten room and is the smallest of the castles build by Ludwig. It had four waiting rooms for servants, a kitchen, a dining room, with a table for one, mounted on a platform that was lowered into the kitchen like a dumbwaiter, a hall of mirrors, a tapestry chamber, an audience chamber and a bed chamber for his personal use. Linderhof was decorated in the royal French design.
King of Bavaria
March 10, 1864 Ludwig at the age of eighteen became the King of Bavaria. He also inherited his Father’s money. He did not like politics or the responsibilities that came with begin King. He hid from his duties by redesigning Linderhof Castle and began the process of building two more of the three castles if which he was the architect
Neuschwanstein Castle
After a visit to Wartburg and Chateau de Pierrefonds in 1867 Ludwig was inspired to build another private refuge for himself in homage to Richard Wagner. This castle-palace was in the Rococo and Romanesque Revival architectural styles. Neuschwanstein castle has fifteen rooms, although more were planned. The rooms are the hall of singers, throne room, drawing room, study room, dining room, bedchambers and more. To get this magical castle to its current conditions it took eighteen years and 14 million marks which is equivalent to $24,760,540.00 in US dollar. This castle has become the most popular of Ludwig’s castles since Walt Disney used its design to create castles for the fairy tale castles for “Sleeping Beauty” and “Cinderella” in his parks. Ludwig only spent 172 days in this theatrical setting and never had the opportunity to have his own personal performance of one of his favorite operas which was his plan.
After a visit to Wartburg and Chateau de Pierrefonds in 1867 Ludwig was inspired to build another private refuge for himself in homage to Richard Wagner. This castle-palace was in the Rococo and Romanesque Revival architectural styles. Neuschwanstein castle has fifteen rooms, although more were planned. The rooms are the hall of singers, throne room, drawing room, study room, dining room, bedchambers and more. To get this magical castle to its current conditions it took eighteen years and 14 million marks which is equivalent to $24,760,540.00 in US dollar. This castle has become the most popular of Ludwig’s castles since Walt Disney used its design to create castles for the fairy tale castles for “Sleeping Beauty” and “Cinderella” in his parks. Ludwig only spent 172 days in this theatrical setting and never had the opportunity to have his own personal performance of one of his favorite operas which was his plan.
Herrenchiemsee Castle
In 1873 King Ludwig II purchased the island, Herreninsel, and began building the largest of his castle-palaces Herrenchiemsee Castle, which was called the “Old Palace.” The island originally held the Benedictine Abbey Monastery. Ludwig took his inspiration from the French Versailles and built this complex in the Baroque and Neo-Baroque architectural styles. This palace was designed with seventy rooms and in the shape of a “W.” Only fifty of the rooms have been completed and the building is currently used as the royal buildings. Thirteen years from 1873 to 1886 and 16,579,674 marks or $29,322,977.00 US dollars were used in the building of this palace.
Architecture influenced by Operas
Inside each of these castle-palaces built by Ludwig is the influence of his beloved operas; “Tannhauser and Lohengrin” by Richard Wagner. Ludwig was twenty-year-old when he met the older German composer Richard Wagner. Ludwig read Romantic literature, loved the theater and operas. My belief is that this love was nurtured in the concert hall of Nymphenburg.
Who he was vs. What he did
On June 13th 1886 this young Architect King died a mysterious death. The King and Dr. von Gudden were found dead in shallow water in Lake Starnberg in Bavaria after the King was declared paranoid and unfit to rule. The neglect to his kingdom was his downfall, but his architecture brings great revenue to what was his kingdom to this day.
In 1873 King Ludwig II purchased the island, Herreninsel, and began building the largest of his castle-palaces Herrenchiemsee Castle, which was called the “Old Palace.” The island originally held the Benedictine Abbey Monastery. Ludwig took his inspiration from the French Versailles and built this complex in the Baroque and Neo-Baroque architectural styles. This palace was designed with seventy rooms and in the shape of a “W.” Only fifty of the rooms have been completed and the building is currently used as the royal buildings. Thirteen years from 1873 to 1886 and 16,579,674 marks or $29,322,977.00 US dollars were used in the building of this palace.
Architecture influenced by Operas
Inside each of these castle-palaces built by Ludwig is the influence of his beloved operas; “Tannhauser and Lohengrin” by Richard Wagner. Ludwig was twenty-year-old when he met the older German composer Richard Wagner. Ludwig read Romantic literature, loved the theater and operas. My belief is that this love was nurtured in the concert hall of Nymphenburg.
Who he was vs. What he did
On June 13th 1886 this young Architect King died a mysterious death. The King and Dr. von Gudden were found dead in shallow water in Lake Starnberg in Bavaria after the King was declared paranoid and unfit to rule. The neglect to his kingdom was his downfall, but his architecture brings great revenue to what was his kingdom to this day.
Gaudi Made Simple
Copyright Canita M. Prough (Pro) 2019
There is a lot of information on Gaudi and his architectural style.
This is an attempt to simplify the information.
God's Architect
Antoni Placid Guillem Gaudi I Cornet
(6-25-1852 to 6-10-1926)
Antoni Gaudi means (servant of God) and he earned the name “God’s Architect.”
Three things influenced Gaudi's architecture:
*Nature - mountain of Montserrat, caves of Mallorca and
Saint Miquel de Fai
*Religion - Roman Catholic - (Nicene Creed)
*Architecture - Doric, Baroque, Gothic and more
Gaudi’s creations:
* Trencadis - a use of wasted ceramic pieces
* Equilibrated System-style of architecture - a form that could stand on its own without internal bracing or external buttresses
* Formed a wrought iron company in 1902 with painter Joan Llimona
Famous quote:
“There is no better structure than a trunk of a tree or a human skeleton.” Antoni Gaudi
Gaudi's humble to honor
He began his working on lampposts and newsstands. He became known for building low walls, dropped ceilings, sliding doors, skylights, superb ventilation, floors clustered with lily pads, and south facing buildings to maximize the sunlight.
Antoni Placid Guillem Gaudi I Cornet
(6-25-1852 to 6-10-1926)
Antoni Gaudi means (servant of God) and he earned the name “God’s Architect.”
Three things influenced Gaudi's architecture:
*Nature - mountain of Montserrat, caves of Mallorca and
Saint Miquel de Fai
*Religion - Roman Catholic - (Nicene Creed)
*Architecture - Doric, Baroque, Gothic and more
Gaudi’s creations:
* Trencadis - a use of wasted ceramic pieces
* Equilibrated System-style of architecture - a form that could stand on its own without internal bracing or external buttresses
* Formed a wrought iron company in 1902 with painter Joan Llimona
Famous quote:
“There is no better structure than a trunk of a tree or a human skeleton.” Antoni Gaudi
Gaudi's humble to honor
He began his working on lampposts and newsstands. He became known for building low walls, dropped ceilings, sliding doors, skylights, superb ventilation, floors clustered with lily pads, and south facing buildings to maximize the sunlight.
Student work The first two works are Gaudi's as a student:
Number One - Cave to Canvas - Cemetery Gate
Cave to Canvas - Cemetery Gate - (Barcelona, Spain)
Year: 1875 - geometrical influenced
Cave to Canvas - Cemetery Gate - (Barcelona, Spain)
Year: 1875 - geometrical influenced
Number Two - Fountain in Placa Catalunya
Fountain in Placa Catalunya - Barcelona
Year 1877 - Doric influence
Fountain in Placa Catalunya - Barcelona
Year 1877 - Doric influence
Gaudi's apprentice work
The next is a work when Gaudi was an apprentice:
Stats - Casacada Fountain at Park de la Ciutadella
Casacada Fountain at Park de la Ciutadella (Barcelona, Spain)
Year 1881- Gaudi assisted designer Joseph Fontseri
Casacada Fountain at Park de la Ciutadella (Barcelona, Spain)
Year 1881- Gaudi assisted designer Joseph Fontseri
Architect Antoni Gaudi
The following works are Gaudi standing alone as an architect:
Stats - Casa Vicens
Casa Vicens (Catalonia, Spain) Years: 1883 - 1888 - Gothic influenced
Casa Vicens (Catalonia, Spain) Years: 1883 - 1888 - Gothic influenced
Stats - Palau Guell
Palau Guell - (Barcelona, Spain)
Years: 1886 - 1888 - use of the trencadis technique
Palau Guell - (Barcelona, Spain)
Years: 1886 - 1888 - use of the trencadis technique
Stats - Episcopal Palace
Episcopal Palace - (Astorga, Spain)
Years: 1887 - 1893 - Neo Gothic influence
Episcopal Palace - (Astorga, Spain)
Years: 1887 - 1893 - Neo Gothic influence
Stats - Casa de los Botines
Casa de los Botines - (Leon, Spain)
Years: 1892 - 1894 - Neo Gothic influence
Casa de los Botines - (Leon, Spain)
Years: 1892 - 1894 - Neo Gothic influence
La Sugradad Familia - (Barcelona, Spain) - Neo Gothic influence
Years: 1892 to present - Gaudi died while this building was under construction and it is hoped to completed in 2026 to commemorate the 100th year of Gaudi’s passing. The date 2030 is also given by some sources.
Years: 1892 to present - Gaudi died while this building was under construction and it is hoped to completed in 2026 to commemorate the 100th year of Gaudi’s passing. The date 2030 is also given by some sources.
Stats - Casa Calvet
Casa Calvet - (Barcelona, Spain)
Years: 1898 - 1904 - influenced by Baroque style
Casa Calvet - (Barcelona, Spain)
Years: 1898 - 1904 - influenced by Baroque style
Colonia Guell - (Barcelona, Spain)
Years: 1898 - 1914 - Gothic influence
Years: 1898 - 1914 - Gothic influence
Casa Figueras (Bellesguard) - (Barcelona, Spain)
Years: 1900- 1909 - Neo Gothic influence
Years: 1900- 1909 - Neo Gothic influence
Stats - Casa Batllo’
Casa Batllo’ - (Barcelona, Spain)
Years: 1875 - 1877 built - 1904 - 1906 restored by Gaudi
Influenced by Baroque style
Casa Batllo’ built in equilibrated style invented by Gaudi
Casa Batllo’ - (Barcelona, Spain)
Years: 1875 - 1877 built - 1904 - 1906 restored by Gaudi
Influenced by Baroque style
Casa Batllo’ built in equilibrated style invented by Gaudi
Stats - La Pedrera (Casa Mila)
La Pedrera (Casa Mila) - (Barcelona, Spain)
Years: 1906 - 1912 - use of the equilibrated style
La Pedrera (Casa Mila) - (Barcelona, Spain)
Years: 1906 - 1912 - use of the equilibrated style
There is more Gaudi
This is not an exhausted list of Gaudi’s works just a sampling to get a feel for his architectural style.
Gaudi House Museum
There is a museum dedicated to Antoni Gaudi located in Guell Park called the Gaudi House Museum. It opened on September 28, 1963. It cost 5.50 Euro and takes about 20 minutes to see it.
Address: Carretera del Carmel/24/Guell Park 08024
Barcelona, Spain
Phone number: +34 932 193 811
www.casamuseumgaudi.org
This is not an exhausted list of Gaudi’s works just a sampling to get a feel for his architectural style.
Gaudi House Museum
There is a museum dedicated to Antoni Gaudi located in Guell Park called the Gaudi House Museum. It opened on September 28, 1963. It cost 5.50 Euro and takes about 20 minutes to see it.
Address: Carretera del Carmel/24/Guell Park 08024
Barcelona, Spain
Phone number: +34 932 193 811
www.casamuseumgaudi.org
