!!!Fischer von Erlach, Johann Bernhard

b. Graz (Styria), July 20, 1656, 
d. Vienna, April 5, 1723, the first important architect of the 
Austrian  Baroque; called himself "von Erlach" after his mother's 
first husband, Sebastian Erlacher; father of Joseph Emanuel  Fischer 
von Erlach. At first F. v. E. worked as a sculptor with his father 
Johann Bapt. F. in Graz. In 1670 went to Rome, where he got to know G. 
L. Bernini and the theorist P. Bellori and where he studied F. 
Borromini's architectural works. In 1684 went to Naples and returned 
to Austria in 1686, where he launched a number of important projects, 
including: the Vienna Trinity Column ("Pestsaeule" - "Plague Column"), 
alterations to the interior design of the mausoleums in Ehrenhausen 
and in Graz, designs for portals, vases, altars, fountains and 
triumphal arches. The Hall of the Ancestors (1688) at Frain Palace 
(Vranov near Znojmo/Znaim, Czech Republic) is considered his first 
masterpiece. From 1689 taught architecture to Prince Joseph of 
Habsburg, (later Emperor Joseph I), and from 1693 worked for the 
Archbishop of Salzburg. In 1694 appointed imperial court architect and 
court engineer in Vienna. Since he did not receive further orders in 
Austria, he travelled to the Prussian court in 1704. From there he 
went on to Holland and England. During this period he analysed the 
architectural style of Western European classicism. After Joseph I had 
ascended to the throne in 1705, F. v. E. was appointed inspector of 
court buildings and thus in charge of all architectural activities on 
behalf of the Imperial Court. In 1712 was confirmed in his offices by 
Karl VI, who succeeded Joseph I.

\\
First and foremost, F. v. E. was a master of spatial design. Unlike J. 
L. v.  Hildebrandt, who was younger than F. v. E., he gradually 
attached less importance to splendid decorative elements and focused 
on elements of Early Classicism. These elements appear esp. in the 
cubic design of his buildings and in the harmonious and strict form of 
his façades. He tried to achieve a balance between the 
longitudinal and central schemes. Sculptural, powerful curvilinear 
forms were combined with a clear ground-plan and spacious structures. 
This truly Austrian productive synthesis led to the establishment of 
an individual style, which incorporated and harmonized all the 
classical varieties of European architecture. Furthermore, F. v. E. 
showed interest in the history of architecture and wrote "Entwurf 
einer Historischen Architektur" in 1721, a book illustrated by 
engravings, which represents a first universal history of 
architecture. On account of its political function F. v. E.'s 
architectural work was considered a model for other architects, and an 
expression of the strengthened self-confidence of the Habsburg 
monarchy.

\\
His principal works include the Kollegienkirche in Salzburg, and the 
Karlskirche, the winter palace of Prince Eugène (today's 
Ministry of Finance), the Bohemian Court Chancellery and Trautson 
Palace in Vienna. Some of his buildings in Vienna were completed by 
his son Joseph Emanuel (Karlskirche, Imperial Library). His first 
plans of Schoenbrunn Palace were not realized (1690/1691). The second 
plan, according to which the project was carried out, was drawn up 
around 1695. monument to F. v. E. on Rathausplatz in Vienna.

!Works
Styria: alterations to the mausoleums in Ehrenhausen 
(alterations to the interior design, 1690) and in Graz (stucco, 
1687-1699), Mariazell (high altar, 1692-1704), Strassengel (high 
altar, designed around 1687). - Salzburg: Dreifaltigkeitskirche (Holy 
Trinity Church, 1694-1702), Johannesspitalskirche (1699-1703), 
Kollegienkirche (1696-1707), Ursulinenkirche, 1699-1705), high altar 
of the Franziskanerkirche (1708), portal of the Hofmarstall (stables, 
1694), Klessheim Palace (from 1700); Pilgrimage Church in Kirchental 
near Lofer (1694-1701). - Vienna: summer-house for Count Schlick 
(1692), winter palace of Prince Eugène (1695-1697), Bohemian 
Court Chancellery (1708-1714, 1750-1754 expansion by M. Gerl), 
Karlskirche (1716-1723, completed by his son from 1723-1739), Imperial 
Stables (from 1723 according to his plans), Liechtenstein Palace (side 
portal 1705, attic), Lobkowitz Palace (1709-1711 alterations), plans 
for the Imperial Library (project carried out by his son, 1723-1726) 
and Schoenborn-Batthyány Palace (1692-1693); Schoenbrunn Palace 
(2nd project around 1695, later redesigned and completed by N. 
Pacassi), Schwarzenberg Palace (completed in 1720-1722, interior 
design carried out by his son), Trautson Palace (1710-12), plague 
column at the Graben (base reliefs, 1687). - In the provinces: 
Niederweiden (hunting lodge in Engelhartsstetten, Lower Austria, from 
1693), Perchtoldsdorf (base reliefs of the plague column, 1713).

!Literature
H. Sedlmayr, J. B. F. v. E., 1976 (new edition ed. by G. 
Curcio, 1997); A. Kreul, Die Barockbaumeister F. v. E., 1988; H. 
Lorenz, J. B. F. v. E., 1992; F. Polleross, F. v. E. und die Wr. 
Barocktradition, 1995.



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