Monday, October 16, 2017

Wurzburg Rococo

Eddie and I went to Wurzburg on our trip to Germany last month. We had been to Wurzburg before, but this time we stopped at the "Residence" - kind of the unofficial palace. It was occupied during the Holy Roman Empire (which was neither Holy, nor Roman nor an Empire) but the Prince Bishop, who ruled the city.

These semi-independent cities would elect a local to run the city, then send his name to Rome and he would be made a Bishop, and then he ruled the city.

Anyway, the Residence is gorgeous - AND I found the difference between Baroque Rococo and German Rococo, see the detail on the picture of the roof.

The Front and Forecourt

 The fountain above shows the Goddess giving the crown to the Price Bishop. Below her are figures should philosophy, art (and behind - science), which Wurzburg was known for (or the P-B wanted to be known for).
 Above the entrance is the Royal Seal with lions holding up the crest, a crown on top and angels heralding the P-B.
Most (not all) of the front. You can see the fountain in the left - middle and the Royal Seal above the 3 arch entrance.

The roof inside (before I was told not to take pictures).
 Here the Gods (Greek) are celebrating the new Prince Bishop. You can tell it is German Rococo because the way the tapestry actual exits the picture into the third dimensional space.

 Another shot of the Garden room .
The ceiling of the Grand Entrance hall.  AMAZING.  Again, on the lower left of the ceiling, you can see the figures break out of the mural to the third dimension.

And the outdoor gardens - where you could take pictures.
 Off balance, artsy no?
 My honey had me at "Scooter pose"
Me and the back of the building.