Seite - 453 - in Jacopo Strada and Cultural Patronage at the Imperial Court - The Antique as Innovation, Band 1

453The Neugebäude of the arches alternating with these rather heavy blocks of entablature give a rhythmical and sculptural effect to the facade. One of these entablature blocks has remained in situ in the Neugebäude [Fig. 9.32–9.33]. The gallery was cov- ered by a simple barrel vault, which undoubtedly was intended to be decorated in stucco.30 In the last phase before Maximilian’s untimely decease, further changes were initiated: heavy foundations were laid in front of the central block or Mittelrisalit on the courtyard (south) side, suggesting the construction of a shallow vestibule section and a monumental facade, work on which was immediately stopped after Maximilian’s death. But even the remains of the foundation provides indications of several changes in plan during its construc- tion. Now the western arcade was put into place, and the western wing largely completed, and some of it perhaps already decorated. After Maximilian’s unexpected death—he had left no will, and staggering debts—his elder son Rudolf succeeded him as Emperor, and inherited the re- sponsibility to complete his father’s project. It is clear that, however straitened his means, he intended to do what was possible. He almost immediately re- quested the architect Pietro Ferrabosco and the treasurer David Hag to come to Linz to discuss the project with him. In the following years the eastern gal- lery of the main block was completed, but the construction of the terraces and the projecting monumental facade on the courtyard side was discontinued. 30 The vaulting appears to have had a flat surface, which presupposes a very lightweight stucco decoration, perhaps similar to that in Hvězda, rather than a coffered ceiling. But the decoration was probably never executed. Figures 9.32–9.33 The one section of the entablature block which has remained in situ in the Neugebäude, compared to the entablature of the Schönbrunn Gloriette.