Page 32 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Prague

30  INTRODUCING PR A GUE

The Renaissance and Rudolph II

With the accession of the Habsburgs, the Renaiss ance
reached Prague. Art and architecture were dominated by
the Italians who enjoyed the patronage of the Imperial court,
especially that of Rudolph II. The eccentric Rudolph often
neglected politics, preferring to indulge his passions for
collecting and science. His court was a haven for artists,
astrologers, astronomers and alchemists, but his erratic Extent of the City
rule led to revolts and an attempt by his brother 1550 Today
Matthias to usurp him. In the course of the Thirty Years’
War (see pp32–3), many works of art from Rudolph’s Dalibor Tower
collection were looted.
Fish pond
Belvedere

Pergola

Rudolph II
A connoisseur
of the bizarre,
Rudolph was
delighted by this
vegetable portrait
by Giuseppe Orchard
Arcimboldo (1590).

Formal
flower beds

Lion House

Mosaic Desk Top Rabbi Löw
Renaissance table tops with Florentine A revered Jewish sage,
themes of fountains and gardens were made he was said to have invented
at Rudolph’s court in semi-precious stones. the Golem (see pp90–91).

1541 Great fire in Little Quarter, 1556 Ferdinand I invites
1526 Habsburg the Castle and Hradčany Jesuits to Prague
rule begins with
Ferdinand I
Ferdinand I
1520 1540 1560
1547 Unsuccessful
1538–63 uprising of towns of
Belvedere built Prague against Ferdinand I
Charter for manglers and dyers

030-031_EW_Prague.indd 30 20/03/17 11:28 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight history template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1)
Date 26th July 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm