DIENTZENHOFER, FAMIGLIA – German architects originally from Aibling in Bavaria, divided into two branches, one active in Bamberg and the other in Prague; the oldest representative of the Bamberg branch is GEORG, who died in 1689 at Waldsassen and built the church of St Michael in Bamberg.
More noteworthy are JOHANN LEONARD D. and JOHANN D., brothers. The former, active in Bamberg from as early as 1687, died in that city in 1707. In 1703 he worked on the construction of the bishop’s residence while also building the abbey. Other works of his are the convent and abbey of Banz near Lichtenfeld and the convent of Schöntal on the Jagst. JOHANN continued his brother’s activity; he built Fulda Cathedral and then the splendid castle of Pommersfelden and the church of the convent of Banz. All three of these architects worked by translating the architectural language of Italian taste with an Alemannic accent. Georg
still remained faithful to the Vignolesque precepts consecrated in the church of the Gesù, whereas Johann Leonard and Johann were more inclined toward Borrominian forms, while not without undergoing some French influence.
The Bavarian branch of the family includes CHRISTOPH, born in 1665 at Aibling and died in Prague in 1722, where he was commissioned to construct many buildings that developed themes of Italian origin, especially those of Guarini; nevertheless, the actual limits of his activity are not known.
More celebrated was his son KILIAN IGNAZ, born in Prague in 1689 and died there in 1751. In Vienna he became acquainted with the work of J. B. Fischer von Erlach and L. Hildebrandt, whose influences he fused with the Guarinesque elements derived from his initial training under his father. His masterpiece is perhaps the church of Vodolka in Bohemia; he worked intensively in Prague, where he succeeded in giving a distinctive character to numerous architectural settings in the city. In addition to the fine church of St Thomas, mention should be made of those of St Bartholomew and of SS. Peter and Paul, St John Nepomuk, St Catherine, etc. Many convents and palaces in Prague and elsewhere are also attributed to him, but it cannot be ruled out that some of these buildings were executed by his assistants or followers.